KSI explains why Luke Littler is blocked from playing in Sidemen Charity Match

Luke Littler has had his request to play in the Sidemen Charity Match denied – with KSI explaining why he will never be able to feature.

The blockbuster meeting of YouTubers, content creators and influencers is fast approaching, with the 2026 edition set to take place on April 18.

Instagram @sidemen

It has become an unmissable fixture for fans of the social media contingent, with last year’s match attracting a sell-out crowd.

The group of seven YouTubers, including boxer and rapper KSI, played out an 18-goal thriller at the Home of Football in 2025, which was by the YouTube Allstars.

There was no shortage of household names on show last time out, with AngryGinge, IShowSpeed, Logan Paul and Mr Beast all featuring.

With this year’s star-studded line-up yet to be confirmed, there was an early contender for the headline act.

Darts superstar Littler openly expressed his desire to take part in the Sidemen Match.

At the start of February, he shared an Instagram post by Sidemen, confirming to their 6.2 million followers that tickets for the clash were sold out within hours of going on sale.

Tagging the internet sensations, the 19-year-old wrote: “Get me in the team Sidemen.”

Content creators only

After Littler’s call-out left many hopeful we could see him grace the Wembley turf, KSI has now shut down the possibility.

In an appearance on Capital FM, the online personality was asked if he had responded to the teenager’s plea.

“I have not responded, and he’s not in,” replied KSI.

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Capital

And he revealed this was due to one rule, with the match operating a strict content creators-only policy.

Explaining his brutal response, KSI continued: “It sounds so bad, but we only have content creators on the Sidemen Charity Match.

“So we haven’t ever had a celebrity come on to play. That’s more for like Soccer Aid.

“You never know, maybe one day we’ll have Soccer Aid versus Sidemen.”

KSI was quick to add that Littler’s snub was nothing personal, insisting that no A-listers are allowed to feature.

He added: “I think for us we’re focusing more on just content creators.

Sidemen

“That’s how it’s always been, and even if Justin Bieber wanted to play, we’d go ‘No! Content creators only!”

When is the 2026 Sidemen Charity Match?

The 2026 Sidemen Charity Match will take place on Saturday, April 18.

Kick-off at a sold-out Wembley Stadium is scheduled for 3pm.

It will be broadcast live on the Sidemen’s YouTube channel.

The SideMen will take on the YouTube Allstars, with the fixture raising money for Bright Side and M7 Education.

Who is playing in the Sidemen Charity Match?

With a Littler appearance ruled out, it remains to be seen which online stars will take to the field at Wembley.

Alamy

While the full cast of influencers and creators taking part has not yet been revealed, some names have already been confirmed.

All seven members of Sidemen will be on the pitch, but they won’t all be on the same side side this year.

The 2026 edition will mark the first time the Sidemen are divided into separate teams, with KSI, Miniminter and Behzinga set to play for the YouTube Allstars.

Currently confirmed to be taking part are:

• Olajide Olatunji aka KSI
• Simon Minter aka Miniminter
• Tobi Brown aka TBJZL
• Joshua Bradley aka Zerkaa
• Harry Lewis aka W2S
• Vikram Barn aka Vikkstar
• Ethan Payne aka Behzinga
• Vikram Singh Barn aka Vikkstar123
• Nick Fosco aka Lacy