The power of blog can no longer be under-estimated (as if it ever was)...
This may not be of utmost interest to most readers, as it is yet again sport related, but it truly is too good to miss!
The Times newspaper was completely duped by a particular sports blog when compiling its Top 50 Young Footballers. At Number 30 was “Masal Bugduv (Olimpia Balti). Moldova's finest, the 16-year-old attacker has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, work permit permitting.”
The accolades found on said blog declared things such as “the next wonder kid” and “already has a handful of international caps” as well as linking this player to many a big club in the transfer window.
Upon research of this unknown prodigy, findings were that not only has this “player” not played for Moldova or Olimpia Balti, there is actually no such player in existence- he was a complete fabrication. The author of this particular blog had updated the Moldovan Football Wikapedia page to include Masal Bugduv and spark this rumour last summer. We all fell for it.
Needles to say, the Number 30 spot was quickly replaced, by Jay Simpson, on loan at West Bromwich Albion.
If only this was the only time The Times had been made to look foolish, in 1999 it reported that Liverpool FC were making a swoop for £3.5 million rated Didier Baptiste- a French player who existed, but as a character on a Sky One TV show.
Shame on them.
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