The FootPol Podcast (Francesco Belcastro and Guy Burton)

What is FootPol? In this short introduction co-hosts Guy Burton and Francesco Belcastro introduce themselves and the podcast and its purpose as well as the topics and guests in the first few episodes. The first proper episode lands on Monday 2nd of October on all main podcasting platforms! Book the date and watch and listen out for it!

The recent Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has been hailed as a great success and a sign of the growing popularity of the women's game. But what are the challenges faced by the women's game away from the bright lights of the major tournaments? In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Carrie Dunn, journalist and academic,  about the women's game in England and beyond. Carrie, author of several books on the Lionesses and on the history of the sport, including The Reign of the Lionesses and Woman Up, discusses the challenges and achievements of the movement in England and globally, from the glamorous Women's Super League to the grassroot game.   

Can football change lives? In this episode co-hosts Francesco and Guy talk to Mel Young, social entrepreneur and founder of the Homeless World Cup .  

The HWC is more than a big yearly tournament bringing together men and women's teams from all over the world. It is a global network of 70 grassroots organisations that help select and prepare the players for the competition. The mission of the HWC is 'to use football to support and inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives; and to change perceptions and attitudes towards people who are experiencing homelessness'. 

What can a football team do for its community? Is it possible to re-imagine the role of  football clubs? In this episode Guy and Francesco talk to Sukhdev Johal from Clapton CFC, East London's fan-owned football club with a strong social and political profile. From the iconic Second Spanish Republic-inspired jersey to Clapton's campaigns against homophobia, racism, sexism and intolerance and what it means to be a community club, including an invaluable Hardship Fund during the covid pandemic, Sukhdev tells the story of Clapton Community Football Club (and a bit of its future too!).

What is the connection between national identity and the beautiful game? And why is  there no British national football team? In this episode Guy and Francesco speak to Professor Matthew Taylor, one of Britain's main historians of sport, based at DeMonfort University. Matt discusses the origins of the game and the first competitive matches, often involving teams between different British cities, as well the development and relevance of the international game.   

What can the beautiful game tell us about the society we live in? How is football and the football industry impacting the environment? In the episode co-host Francesco speaks to David Goldblatt, sociologist of football and author of several influential volumes on the history and politics of the game. David  discusses how football is the greatest modern-day political theatre , and why the game and 'the political' are closely connected. In the second part of the episode, the conversation focuses on David's work on the environment and particularly his involvement with  Football for Future,  the organisation seeking to tackle climate change and its impact on the beautiful game.  

Every football fan's worst nightmare is seeing their team going bust. But how likely is that to happen? While the English game has been able to attract significant capitals,  cases of teams falling into financial hardship are frequent.  In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco ask Portsmouth University's Christina Philippou  what is the state of English football clubs' financial health. Christina teaches accounting and finance and is an expert on the financial sustainability of football, having co-authored two reports on the subject for the British government. Christina explains what might the planned new regulator look like and cover and how does women's football in England compare to men's football. 

In the last few years,  collecting football shirts has turned into a popular hobby for a growing number of fans. But are football kits only pretty patterns and shining colours? In this episode co-hosts Francesco and Guy talk to author Alex Ireland  about the politics and economics of football kits, from their development into contemporary fashion and leisure wear to how choices about sponsors, badges and players' numbers can be political.  Alex also discusses the differences between men's and women's playwear, the impact that produces all these polyester shirts is having on the environment and the ethical implications of choosing an authentic or counterfeit jersey.

For all this and more, do check out Alex's new book, Pretty Poly: The History of the Football Shirt, which is now out and available to buy.

From Japan's and South Korea's heroics at past World Cups to the advent of global stars from the region, East Asia has made a splash in world football in recent years. The trajectory of the Chinese Super League, however, that it's not all progress. In this episode Francesco and Guy spoke to Professor Seungbum Lee  of Akron  University about the rise and fall of the Chinese Super League, the social impact of the beautiful game in different East Asian countries and the development of professional football in Japan and South Korea. Seungbum talks about the geopolitics of football in the region,  the K and J Leagues and their development in the last decades, and why his beloved football club is giving him heartbreak!    

As the world game, how do diplomats relate to football? And how is football being used by states around the world to advance their global interests and influence? To discuss these questions, co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to former British diplomat and now geopolitical commentator, Arthur Snell, about his experience of working for the UK Foreign Office in Nigeria, Trinidad & Tobago and other countries, and  whether the beautiful game played a role in his diplomatic career. Arthur also explains how football is central to Britain's soft power, which English team is surprisingly popular in Iraq and how football found its way into his podcast, Between the Lines and book, How Britain Broke the World, published by Canbury Press.

Football in Saudi Arabia has been the subject of a lot attention in the last year due to the purchase of high profile players by Saudi teams. But how is the Saudi Pro League doing now that we're several months into the new season? Has it been successful so far? And what does the future of football look like in the Kingdom? To discuss this, co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Aziz Alghassian and Eyad Alrefai, Saudi scholars and football fans. Aziz and Eyad discuss the football's domestic impact, particularly on Saudi Arabia's broader diversification strategy set out in Vision 2030. The panel also talks about the prospects for grassroots football and what hosting the 2034 World Cup may mean for the Kingdom. 

Belgium is known for its waffles, chocolates and beer. And arguably for its football. But what can the beautiful game tell us about the politics and history of the country?  Co-hosts Guy (himself a Brussel resident) and Francesco  talk to Scott Coyne, Mechelen fan and co-host of the Belgian Football Podcast, the world's premier English language show on the game there. Scott provides insight on how football first arrived in Belgium, who the big clubs are and the extent to which past economic developments and the Flemish-French linguistic divide have played out in terms of rivalries. He also explains how tensions have been dampened down around the national football team, Belgium's place in the European football hierarchy and the role that its youth development and academies play in relation to this.

December 29 marks the first anniversary of Pele's death. As one of the world's greatest football players, Pele's impact goes beyond the football pitch into politics, society and popular folklore. To discuss Pele's legacy in Brazil,  co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to Ana Paula da Silva, who studies race and gender at the Fluminense Federal University in Rio de Janeiro. Ana Paula explains how Pele was perceived and judged in terms of race and race relations during his career from the 1950s to the 1970s. She observes that he became a controversial figure to some, especially when compared to other important players of that time, like Garrincha and Paulo Cezar Caju. Ana Paula then discusses the subject of race and Brazilian football in the last decades, looking at developments among players and fans on the terraces, the impact and legacy of the 2014 World Cup and race relations during the right-wing presidency of Jair Bolsonaro (2019-22).

Ana Paula's study of the subject can be found in more detail in her book, available in Portuguese as Pele e o Complexo de Vira-Latas [Pele and the Mongrel Complex].

What has been the impact of the Qatar World Cup? Has the tournament been a success for the organisers, and what is its legacy in terms of human and particularly labour rights?  A year to the day after Lionel Messi's Argentina raised the trophy, co-hosts Guy and Francesco take a look at the reasons behind Qatar bidding for the World Cup and the immediate and long-term consequences of winning the hosting rights. As well as looking at the political and economic effects following the World Cup, they also talk to Stephen Cockburn of Amnesty International. Stephen provides insight regarding whether the migrant workers who built the infrastructure for the tournament have received justice and how the Qatar World Cup may contribute to more explicit reference and action on human rights at future sporting mega-events.

Is the use of football in diplomacy a modern phenomenon? Or has sport always been used as a diplomatic tool? In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Heather Dichter, Associate Professor at DeMonfort University specialising in sport history, with a focus on diplomacy and twentieth century Europe. Heather explains how the popularity of the game made it a unique diplomatic tool, and why the last decades have been a golden era for football diplomacy. Heather also discusses her research on sport in the Cold War era and in Germany, and the future of research in this field. 

West Africa is the home of exceptional footballing talent. In our latest episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to Ghanian journalist Gary Al-Smith to understand why the countries in the region - Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Cameroon - produce so many good footballers and how and why many of them end up in Europe. In the episode we learn what impact this has had on the domestic game and for clubs there, contrasting West Africa's experience to other parts of the continent, particularly the Arab North and Southern Africa. Gary also talks about football governance there and the extent to which governments seek influence within the game. Finally, we get Gary's tips on who will win the African Cup of Nations, starting later this week, as well as which teams and players to look out for!

Football has been used by both politicians as well as fans to advance their own interests. How have fascist and right-wing political leaders and regimes exploited football to promote themselves? And how have fans tried to fight right wing authoritarianism through football?  In this episode co-hosts Francesco and Guy talk to Chris Lee, author of The Defiant: A History of Football Against Fascism and host of website and podcast Outside Write. Chris discusses the relationship between the beautiful game and political ideologies before, during and after the Second World War while also looking at the space football has provided to express opposition towards right-wing regimes across Europe and South America.  

Football fans are often at the centre of media and public opinion attention: condemned as violent and anti-social or applauded for their contribution to the atmosphere in stadiums around the world. But are football fans 'political actors'? If so, what is their politics? In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to journalist James Montague, author of several books on football fans including the widely acclaimed 1312: Among the Ultras. James explains how, while the roots of modern Ultras culture can be traced in Italy,  the phenomenon is truly a global one. James also explains how the culture, values and structure of organised supporters often makes them important political actors in their own rights, and how their interest in politics takes different forms around the world. 

Do religions and particularly Islam have a view on football? In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to Valentina Fedele, Associate Professor of Sociology of Cultural and Communicational Processes at Link Campus University in Rome. Valentina explains how most religions have beliefs and norms that apply to sport generally and football in particular, noting that Islam is not especially unique in this regard.  Looking at several Muslim majority countries  like Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Valentina discusses how the issue of the relation between football and Islam is multi-layered, with states, religious authorities and personal beliefs all playing a role. Valentina also points to new work she's doing on unaccompanied minors in Italy, some of them from Muslim countries, and how they relate to football.

The idea of a European Super League that would see top European clubs regularly compete against each other has bee in the news again in recent months, following a recent ruling at the European Court of Justice and its backers' latest proposals. But what would the Super League mean for European football, and will this project ever become reality? In this episode, Francesco and Guy talk to Anthony Macedo, a Portuguese academic based at the Lisbon School of Economics and Management and the University of Minho to put the court ruling in context, past efforts at putting a European Super League into action, who the main players and what it might look like.  Anthony also explains what has stopped the a European Super League from happening in the past and why we may well see some incarnation of it at some point in the future.

Have you ever thought of Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo as workers? Probably not! And yet for global stars as for lower level professional footballers and others in less glamorous leagues, football is a job with 'trade relations'.  In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to labour rights advocates, Alex Culvin and Alexander Bielefeld from FIFPRO, the World Players Union organisation which brings together national trade unions of footballers from around the globe. Alex and Alexander set out the main issues facing male and female professional footballers. Alexander also highlights the emerging challenge of big data and Artificial Intelligence in the elite-level game while Alex shares her thoughts on who should be the next Liverpool manager!

Football is by far the most popular sport in the world, making it "the world's game". And yet there some countries in the world that don't have a national team or are unrecognised by major organisations like FIFA. In this episode, co-hosts Francesco and Guy talk to Paul Watson about who does and who doesn't get to participate in "official" international football and why football representation is important. Paul offers deep insight as the ex-manager of the Micronesian island team Pohnpei and organiser of the 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup for states, minorities, stateless peoples and regions unaffiliated with FIFA. Paul, who is a co-host of the Sweeper Podcast, also shares his experience of owning and managing a football club in Mongolia and how football was used as a social tool there.

It is often said that football reflects the societies where we live. So what does football tell us about race and education? In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco learn the difficulties that young black footballers faced in their education as they tried to make it in the game from Leicester University's Paul Campbell. Paul also provides insight into the different media representations of black footballers, including in video games, as well as the particular challenges that black footballers face when they try to transition away from the game at the end of their careers. Throughout Paul highlights ways that clubs and the state can and should respond. 

Please note that in explaining how black and white footballers are represented, Paul points to some of the offensive ways this has been done regarding black footballers.

Football is a powerful tool in fragmented societies, none more so than Colombia. In this episode, Pete Watson of Leeds University explains to co-hosts Guy and Francesco what role has football played in the formation of a national identity and as a tool of reconciliation in both Colombia and in neighbouring countries. In Colombia the beautiful game has been used by a wide range of actors, from politicians to FARC rebels.  Pete also discusses the darker side of Colombian football, its historical connection with the drug cartels. Pete examines the current relative success of the Colombian women's team compared to the men and the difficulties they still face, as well as the continuing racism within football and society. Finally, he offers his thoughts on Colombia's prospects at the upcoming Copa America alongside those of the other front runners!

Co-host Francesco is joined by a guest co-host Eugenio Giovagnoli to talk to Canadian sports journalist and activist, Shireen Ahmed. Shireen has been at the forefront of the battle towards inclusivity in football, particularly in the media. She reflects on the current challenges, the achievements so far made and those that remain, along with a look at the state of the women's game across different countries and with a particular focus on Canada. As well as examining the state of Canadian women's football, Shireen emphasises the importance of bringing new voices to the conversation, and the struggles to eliminate gender-, race- and religious-based discrimination from the game. 

Most people associate India with cricket. And yet the country has a long and rich history with football, based mainly in India's periphery rather than its Hindu heartland. Guy and Francesco talk to journalists and podcasters Siddhanth Aney and Siju Mathew about the origins of the game from the end of the nineteenth century and  India's relative regional success in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite the game's subsequent decline, football  gained a new lease of life from the 1990s and especially since the establishment of the Indian Super League since 2014 - although Siddhanth and Siju express mixed feelings about its structure and the lack of consultation with India's legacy clubs and organisations. They also discuss India's international prospects and the state of the women's game.

Siddhanth Aney is the co-host of 420 Grams and Siju Mathew runs the Totally Indian Football Show where you can learn more about football in this fascinating country.

Can football be more inclusive and embrace groups that have traditionally been left out from the game? In our latest episode, Guy and Francesco learn what some football clubs and fan groups are doing in the UK and US. They talk to Sarah Keig and JulieAnn Thomas of Fulham Lillies, a women's supporters group in southwest London that aims to raise the profile and voices of female fans at the club and help bring attention for women's participation in football more generally and at Fulham in particular. They then talk to Corentine "Coco" Claisse about his community club, New York International FC, and the efforts they've made to transcend national identities among the players and their efforts to tackle food poverty in the city.

The Fulham Lillies' report on making Premier League games more inclusive for families which JulieAnn refers to in the show can be downloaded here.

In this brand new bonus edition format, Guy and Francesco explore topical issues around football that have a political dimension with the help of an expert. In this episode, Alex Ireland, football writer and football kits connoisseur, talks about England's new football shirt. Nike's decision to put a multi-coloured St George's cross - the symbol on the English flag - has created a lot of discussion and led to calls to restore the traditional colours. Alex explains why this has happened, what's behind the politicians' comments and whether there have been similar outbursts both in relation to previous England shirts as well as those of other national football teams.


Alex is the author of Pretty Poly: The History of the Football Shirt which is available here. Alex previously appeared on the FootPol Podcast, talking about football kits and his book in November 2023. The episode is available here.

Footballers are global icons, and Mo Salah is probably the most famous Arab and Muslim one today. But does Salah's popularity affect the way that Muslims (and Arabs) are perceived? Guy and Francesco speak to Salma Mousa, Assistant Professor of Political Science at UCLA about the 'Salah effect': how hate crimes in Liverpool and anti-Muslim tweets by Liverpool fans fell after Salah joined the club. Salma also talks about her work in Iraq to measure the effectiveness and limits of football as a tool to bring together Muslim and Christian communities. Salma also gives the FootPol Podcast its first world exclusive by sharing the result of her latest study that examines players' popularity, combining data from fantasy football!

Salma's co-authored article on the 'Salah effect' is available here and her study of Christian-Muslim integration in Iraq can be read here.

How entwined is football and politics in Thailand? Guy and Francesco talk to Thai scholar Arjin Thongyuukong and UK journalist Matt Riley about the origins and development of the game in Thailand.  Matt and Arjin discuss the rise of the national league and the presence of politicians like Thaksin Shinawatra and Newin Chidchob as football club owners. Meanwhile, Thai society has undergone dramatic change in recent decades, resulting in the emergence of a new lower-middle class enthusiastic about football and demanding greater political representation.  In addition, the guests also discuss the state and development of the women's and youth games in Thailand as well as the international connections made by Thai football.

Arjin Thongyookong is a doctoral student at Loughborough University in the UK and a lecturer in the Faculty of Athropology and Sociology at Thammasat University in Bangkok.

Matt Riley has commented on Thai football for the Asia-wide Fox Sports Central and is the author of Thai Football Tales.

What makes modern football political? And what is the role of football in civil society? In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Cas Mudde, political scientist, football fan and enthusiastic groundhopper. Cas points to various developments taking place in modern football, from stadia as political arenas for both fans and the authorities around them, whether footballing or government. He notes the presence of illiberal regimes, including the growth of surveillance in and around grounds to footballing authorities' embrace of intolerant governments as well as the efforts made by fans to push back.

Cas also touches on his own experience as a podcaster and the insights he has gained from speaking to different voices in the football community as well as his undergraduate "Soccer and Politics" course, which he teaches at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Cas's RADIKAAL podcast episodes can be found here. Cas's Guardian op-ed that he mentions in the episode is available here.

How much does the geography and politics of a country influence the development of its football culture? In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to journalist Miguel Lourenço Pereira about football and politics in one of Europe's most fascinating countries, Portugal. Miguel is the author of several books including the recent "Bring me that horizon. A journey through the soul of Portuguese football".  He explains how the history of Portuguese football is closely connected to the country's history and geography. Miguel also discusses the central role of the "big three" Portuguese clubs, the contribution of Africa and Brazil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Eusebio, the experience of the Portuguese diaspora and the position of Portugal in the current global football markets.   

Brazilian football is famous for its noisy and passionate supporters. But Brazilian football fans are not only passionate, they also have a long tradition of political activism. In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Luisa Turbino Torres, assistant professor at Florida Atlantic University, whose research looks at fan activism, gender and society in Brazil. Luisa talks about fans' activism and particularly the role of female and LGBTQ+ supporters in Brazil, with particular reference to women's groups around Bahia, Gremio, Clube Atletico Mineiro and Santa Cruz and explains how different groups have challenged the traditional view of stadiums as male dominated spaces. She highlights the role of social media in helping organise female fans' activism and their participation in the protests against the previous Bolsonaro government.

Football has a gambling problem. In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to award winning investigative journalist Steve Menary about the growth of gambling in the sport, from the football clubs who take the industry's money to the ways that betting companies are encouraging people to bet.  Steve also talks about the grey world in which many of these companies operate, acquiring a license in one country to enable them to operate in another country where betting is illegal as well as the authorities' willingness to turn a blind eye. The co-hosts and Steve also discuss the UK government's proposed review of gambling and whether it will make any difference at all.
For those interested to learn more, some of Steve's reporting can be read in more detail at Play the Game.

Mental health is a growing issue in football  but suffers from being seen as a taboo subject. Co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to writer Johnnie Lowery who has published a new book, Match Fit, looking at how mental health affects footballers and fans, why it's been overlooked and what's being done to overcome it. As well as highlighting key moments that can affect players' mental health--as a young player starting out, approaching retirement or suffering a bad injury--Johnnie also points to successful efforts to break down the barriers discouraging acknowledgement and discussion around the issue, from Our Game to Talking Cherries, Beder FC and the Chris Mitchell Foundation.

Match Fit is published by Pitch Publishing and is available to buy here.

Amidst the ongoing Israeli attack on Gaza, football might seem a secondary and even irrelevant aspect. Yet football offers a ghastly testimony of the destruction caused by the Israeli attack on Gaza, as well as the dynamics of occupation of Palestinian territory by the Israeli state.

In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to journalist Karim Zidan and  academic Kat Pijetlovic. Karim explains the impact of Israel’s occupation on the Palestinians’ ability to play football, as well as devastating impact of Israel’s war on Gazan football. Katarina, one of the initiators of the petition to exclude Israel from sport hosted by DiEM25, explains why sport and the sport boycott represent a key symbolic struggle for supporters of the Palestinian cause.

The petition, "Suspend Israel from international sports," can be accessed and signed at DiEM25 here.

Karim's Sports Politika SubStack newsletter is available here.

The impact of climate change on football has frequently been in the news in recent years. The relationship between the beautiful game and the environment is however  complex and multi-faceted as explained by today's guest, Dr Leslie Mabon. Leslie, a lecturer in environmental systems at the Open University, explains to co-hosts Guy and Francesco how the impact of climate change on football is more pervasive than it is often discussed, but also highlights how the football world and fans in particular are mobilising to promote a more sustainable and environmental friendly. Leslie also explains how the impact of climate change affects clubs and players playing at higher and lower levels in different ways, as well as its specific effects on the  women's game.  

Football clubs often represents different identities: local, political, ethnic and sectarian. Deportivo Palestino, a football club in Chile, is distinct in the way its representation of Palestinian identity. In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Siri Schwabe, associate professor of Anthropology at University of Copenhagen, and Jose Nabzo, press and media officer at Deportivo Palestino and life-long club supporter.
Siri explains the origin of the club and reflects on her experience of attending Palestino matches. Jose describes how Deportivo Palestino has served as a point of reference of the Palestinian community in Chile as well as serving as a symbol of Palestinian identity in both Chile and the wider world. 

Siri's academic article on Deporte Palestino [behind the paywall] is available here.

Ukraine is a country with a long and rich football tradition. Yet football, like all aspects of life, have been deeply affected by the Russian aggression against the country.  In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to Olga Ruzhelnyk, a Ukrainian researcher at the Institut des sciences sociales du politique in Paris. Olga explains how football is an important aspect of the recent history of the country, from they way football clubs and ultra groups have been political actors to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and occupation of Crimea and the impact it has had on football clubs, fans and ultra groups.

Olga's article, "Annexés et déplacés : les clubs de football ukrainiens de Crimée et du Donbass depuis 2014," which is mentioned in the episode, is available here. Her book chapter, "Ukraine," which provides a historical account of football in her country, was published in The Palgrave International Handbook of Football and Politics and can be accessed here.

We're about to enter what has been dubbed the 'Summer of Sport' given the number of high-profile events taking place, from the Euros to the Olympics and the Copa America. Football will therefore be at the forefront of many people's minds and to explore this, co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to Nicola Sbetti, historian of sport at the University of Bologna in Italy about what this could mean politically. Nicola explains what the main political themes will be at these tournaments, as well as providing an overview of the historical relevance of major tournaments in relation to sport and politics.

Nicola hosts the 'La storia dello sport a gamba tesa' YouTube page (in Italian).  

No other football player has been as popular and yet also  divisive as Diego Armando Maradona. Few footballers can claim to have achieved the status of political icon like the Argentinian superstar. In the first of two episodes dedicated to the politics of Maradona, co-hosts Francesco and Guy speak to Mariano Paz, lecturer at the University of Limerick and a scholar who has researched different aspects of the politics of Diego  Maradona. Mariano explains how Maradona's iconic nature makes him an 'empty signifier', meaning that people interpret Maradona and his actions in different ways and according to their own views. Despite his political views and friendships with prominent leftist leaders such as Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez in Latin America, Maradona was not a traditional political activist, but remained a prominent and significant political figure. Indeed, this was particularly apparent during the 1986 World Cup, when Maradona led the Argentine team against England, only four years after the end of the Falklands/Las Malvinas War between the two countries.

Mariano is the co-editor of Maradona: A Socio-Cultural Study.

Diego Maradona, arguably the greatest talent ever to grace a football pitch, played for several clubs as well as the Argentinian national team. His image, however, is closely tied to the city of Naples and its football club.  In the second of this week's double episodes on the politics of Diego Maradona, co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to Italian sociologist and Napoli fan, Luca Bifulco. Luca explains how Maradona operated in and around the divisions and contradictions present in Italy during the 1980s as well as the political and social factors that have contributed to his 'deification' in Naples. Luca explores how Naples, a southern city, was perceived by Italy's political elites and how Maradona worked on those ideas during his time at the club and especially during Italia 90.

What does the general election in the UK mean for football? In this episode, one of the FootPol Podcast's favourite guests, Dr Christina Philippou returns to co-host a discussion on the subject with Mike Baker, director of advocacy at Fair Game. Christina and Mike explain the importance of the election for the future of football in the UK, from the Premier League to grassroots and women's football. The election effectively paused plans for an independent regulator that looked close to being implemented, but Mike explains why the issue will remain on the table and what additional work will need to be done before the regulator becomes a reality.

Football plays a central role in many Latin American countries. In this episode, co-hosts Francesco and Guy talk with Jorge Knijnik, Associate Professor at Western Sydney University about his new book, Tales of  South American Football: Passion, Revolution and Glory. Jorge provides examples of how the beautiful game is entwined with the continent's politics and society. They include the actions of players like Brazil's Afonsinho and Reinaldo who promoted labour and political rights during the 1970s, Argentine and Chilean fans who are continuing the fight against the dictatorships of the past by demanding restorative justice, and the players and NGOs who challenge partriarchal prejudice against women's football in Bolivia and elsewhere. Jorge also shares his thoughts on the current Copa America taking place in the United States and the impact it might have on American politics.

How are nostalgia and melancholia connected to football? And are they 'political'? In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco talk to Sheffield Hallam University's Jack Black about the meaning of the popular English football song, "It's Coming Home" and how melancholy and nostalgia are part and parcel of football culture in England and beyond. That sets up a wider discussion about nostalgia in football and its connection to politics, especially those on the far right.

A version of Jack's book chapter, Desire, Drive and the Melancholy of English Football: It's (not) Coming Home," which is discussed in the episode, is available here.

This is our last episode before we take a summer break. We'll be back at the start of September!

We're back (briefly) from our summer break! Co-hosts Guy and Francesco break down the politics that's making the headlines in the wake of Spain's and Argentina's respective Euro and Copa America wins. They look at what's happened following Rodri's claim that "Gibraltar is Spanish" and the Spanish political right's response to seeing a multiracial team lift the trophy. They also examine the response by Argentina's political leaders to Argentine player Enzo Fernandez's racist and transphobic chanting against the French national team, while Guy offers an insight into Argentina's racial minorities and their treatment. Finally Francesco reports on what might happen at the FIFA Council this weekend, when the question of banning Israel for its genocidal actions in Gaza comes before it.

Unless there is more political happenings in football, this episode will be our last until after the summer break. We'll be back in early September!

Welcome back to the second season of the FootPol Podcast! This week, we dive into the latest political news in Football World. FIFA's recent non-decision on suspending Israel for its actions in Gaza and Argentine players facing backlash for racist chants are in the spotlight. Stay tuned as we discuss FIFA's plans to engage skeptical audiences for the expanded Club World Cup. Additionally, we address the controversy surrounding the interim England manager's choice not to sing the British anthem and Real Madrid players' stance against racist abuse. Exciting insights on upcoming episodes await our listeners this season!

Exciting news this week as Football Heritage podcast host Rory Bryce joins Guy and Francesco to discuss the decline and disappearance of football clubs. With several years of experience hosting the Forgotten Football Clubs podcast, Rory shares valuable insights on identifying when a club is in trouble and strategies for recovery. 

Rory also sheds light on his involvement in establishing the open-air football museum, Football Square Mile, in Glasgow. Stay tuned for this insightful conversation on the challenges and solutions in the world of football clubs! 

#Football #Podcast #Heritage #FootballClubs #Insights

Rory can be found on Twitter/X here and the Football Heritage X account is regularly updated while the podcast is available on Spotify here.

How did football - a game played by upper class gentlemen in Britain - become the world's most popular sport? How did it shift to becoming a game of the workers and the masses? And what social and political impact did the success of the game have? Co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to friend of the pod, Chris Lee, and host of his own podcast and football-related blog, Outside Write.

Chris, who wrote the book Origin Stories: The Pioneers Who Took Football to the World, explains how the game became so popular in many parts of the world, describing many of the characters and teams that have contributed to football's journey around the world, and busts some of the myths about the origins of the game.

FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is the sport institution that controls and regulates the world's most popular game. But how did it become the mega-organisation we know today? In this week's episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco dive deep into the history of FIFA as global football's governing body with historian Luiz Guilherme Burlamaqui and his book, "The Making of a Global FIFA." They explore whether the election of former president Joao Havelange in 1974 was pivotal and its lasting impact on FIFA. The discussion sheds light on Havelange's election strategies and the Brazilian elites' perceptions of themselves and football both nationally and internationally. #FIFA #FootballHistory 

In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco explore the fascinating history of Swiss football with Zurich University's Professor Christian Koller, a Swiss scholar and expert on the subject. Switzerland’s rich linguistic and ethnic diversity, combined with its historic commitment to neutrality, has shaped the nation's football culture in unique ways. Professor Koller delves into the roots of football in Switzerland, the influence of the workers' movement in the 1920s and 1930s, and how both older and more recent migrant communities have impacted the game. 

The conversation also highlights key rivalries in Swiss football and takes a closer look at the state of the women’s game in Switzerland, particularly as the country gears up to host the 2025 Women’s Euros. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of Europe’s most diverse and intriguing football landscapes!

Co-hosts Guy and Francesco dive into the world of away fandom, focusing on the experiences of female and LGBTQ+ supporters. Joining them is Penny Miles, a researcher from Bath University, who has been studying the challenges faced by marginalised fans following national football team in Wales (with a bit of Chile!).

Together, they explore the current state of away fandom and the obstacles that these groups encounter. Penny shares her insights on the unique issues female and LGBTQ+ fans face, from safety concerns to the impact of traditional fan culture. She also offers valuable suggestions for how mainstream (predominantly male) fans can create a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere at matches.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion on how to make football fandom a space for everyone!

How did football get to the island of Ireland? And is it a 'foreign' game? In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco are joined by historian James Quinn to dive into the intriguing journey of football on the island of Ireland. Together, they explore whether football is truly a "foreign" game and how it has woven itself into the cultural and political landscape of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Along the way, James also touches upon Irish football's connection with Scotland, the developments that took place after the Good Friday Agreement and the emerging state of the women's game too.

James's book, No Foreign Game: Association Football and the Making of Irish Identities, is available from Merrion Press.

This week co-hosts Guy and Francesco sit down with Professor Christos Kassimeris, a leading expert on racism in football. Together, they explore the roots and complexities of racism within the sport. 

Professor Kassimeris provides valuable insights into the nature and definition of racism, shedding light on how it manifests within football. The conversation delves into the role of anti-racism campaigns and racism online, particularly in social media spaces, where football-related abuse is widespread. Professor Kassimeris shares his ongoing research and the efforts being made to address this pressing issue. 

In this episode, Guy and Francesco tackle the world of e-football—a digital space where traditional sports and gaming intersect, creating unique political and economic challenges. To help them unpack this growing phenomenon, they’re joined by Tsukuba University’s Tsubasa Shinohara. Together, they explore how e-football is more than just a virtual kickabout; it’s a rapidly expanding industry with complex implications for players' image rights, gamer labor conditions, and regulation. As they explore this frontier, Tsubasa answers the questions and challenges that lie at the intersection of sports, technology, and law.

Co-hosts Guy and Francesco look at the violent incidents surrounding the Ajax vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match on November 7 and break down the Amsterdam mayor's council report, which outlines the sequence of events. They explore the different narratives that have emerged to frame the violence, from the initial reaction by mainstream media that painted the Israeli fans as victims, to the gradual emergence of their responsibilities in the fighting. Guy and Francesco also look at why Israeli clubs are playing in European competitions and whether the Israeli FA and its clubs may face an international ban.

The Amsterdam mayor's report is available here.

20 years ago, Exeter City FC were in debt and at risk of disappearing. Their fans however did not accept losing their beloved club, so they stepped in and saved it against all odds. In this episode co-hosts Francesco and Guy speak to Nick Hawker, Chair of club and supporters trust, about the incredible journey of Exeter City FC. Nick talks about how the club is ran, how fans have a central role in all of the decisions and shares how the clubs has turned into a hive of activities for the local community. 

In this week’s episode, hosts Guy and Francesco sit down with renowned social historian David Kynaston to explore the relationship between football and profound social changes that have shaped Britain since the Second World War. From shifts in class dynamics to cultural transformations, they delve into how these changes have both influenced and been mirrored in the beautiful game.

David is in the middle of writing a series about the history of Britain from 1945 to 1979 called "Tales of a New Jerusalem." His latest volume is A Nothern Wind: Britain 1962-65. He is also the author of Shots in the Dark: A Diary of Saturday Dreams and Strange Times, a memoir of Aldershot Town FC's 2016-17 season and the political developments that took place during the period, including Brexit and Donald Trump's first election.