English Premier League (EPL) is one of the most popular soccer leagues in the world. It has a rich history, and millions of fans from all over the globe follow their favorite teams religiously. However, there are some surprising facts about EPL that not many people know. Here are five secrets of the English Premier League revealed!
1. The Origins of the English Premier League
Many people believe that the English Premier League was formed in 1992, but it actually dates back to 1888 when the Football League was founded. Initially, there were only twelve clubs, but today, there are twenty teams competing for the championship title every season.
2. Surprising Facts about EPL Soccer Players
Did you know that EPL players have a higher average height than NBA basketball players? That’s right! The average height of an EPL player is around 6 feet tall while NBA players stand at around 6 feet 7 inches on average. Also, EPL players run approximately six miles per game, which is equivalent to running two marathons in a week!
3. Unusual Rules and Regulations in the EPL
One interesting fact about the EPL is that they use yellow cards as a warning instead of red ones like other football leagues. In addition, if a team scores three goals before half-time, the referee can end the first half early to prevent further damage to the losing side. Another unusual rule is that players must wear numbers on their shirts ranging from 1 to 99, with no two players allowed to wear the same number during a match.
4. Fun Trivia About the EPL Clubs
There are plenty of fascinating stories and trivia associated with each club in the EPL. For example, did you know that Arsenal FC was originally called Dial Square after its founding members who worked at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich? Or that Manchester United’s nickname “Red Devils” comes from their former manager Sir Matt Busby, who saw a group of Salford boys wearing red jerseys and calling themselves the Red Devils? There are countless more fun tidbits to discover about your favorite EPL clubs!
Conclusion
The English Premier League is full of surprises and hidden gems waiting to be discovered by avid soccer fans. From the origins of the league to unexpected rules and regulations, there’s always something new to learn about this beloved sport. So whether you’re cheering for Manchester City or Chelsea, keep these fun facts in mind next time you watch an EPL match!