Award-winning actor Idris Elba is the latest big name to take on the Baller League as season two kicks off on Monday, October 27 in London.
The first Baller League UK was won at the O2 Arena in London by Sharky’s SDS FC last season, defeating Alisha Lehmann and Maya Jama’s MVPs United.
Ballon D’or nominee Chloe Kelly returns and will switch teams to Clutch FC, meanwhile ex-Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge will make his debut in the dugout at the Copper Box Arena.
Well known for star roles in Luther and The Wire, Elba will be a calm figure when he enters the league with brand-new side Rukkas FC, partnered with entrepreneur Dean Forbes.
He’s previously hosted the 2017 Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony, as well as being involved in Soccer Aid events, so is no stranger to the largest sport in the world.
The Baller League UK was created by entrepreneur Felix Starck alongside ex-German international footballers Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski, having originated in Germany.
It’s a six-a-side indoor football tournament with a fast-paced, entertainment-focused format.
The rules include 15-minute halves, 12-player squads, rolling substitutions, and no corners – although a penalty is awarded after three times the ball goes behind off an opponent.
During the last three minutes of each half, randomised ‘gamechanger’ rules are applied, which can include a 3v3 format, goalkeepers not being allowed to use their hands, and long-range goals counting as double.
The season consists of 11 matchdays, followed by a final-four day of semi-finals and a final to determine an outright Baller League champion.
Influencer KSI serves as the president of the UK league and fellow YouTube Sidemen, Miniminter and Tobi Brown return to management under the same clubs M7 FC and VZN FC.
England legends Alan Shearer and Ian Wright also return to manage Wembley Rangers AFC, Shearer having managed Deportrio before.
Deportrio will now be spearheaded by Micah Richards and Sturridge, after Gary Lineker isn’t involved this time out.
Fresh off the earliest of exits on this year’s The Traitors, new addition Niko Omilana will be desperate for a longer stint with the debuting club NDL FC.
N5 FC slumped to nine defeats in 11 games in a miserable debut campaign, but Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires seek revenge, with Freddie Ljungberg departing.
The Blues’ John Terry is 26ers boss for another season, and just three wins from a possible 11 show there’s room for improvement for the Champions League winner.
The previous campaign’s highest scorers start with a clash against Angry Ginge’s Yanited, who conceded the fewest goals last season.
Meanwhile, current champions SDS FC, who took the most shots in season one, battle an VZN FC side who boasted the lowest possession.
The new season of The Baller League will be broadcast live on the competition’s YouTube channel every Monday from 5.15pm.
Feature image: The Baller League
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