Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The FootPol Podcast

FootPol is back for a brand new season — and we’re hitting the ground running. In this season opener, we recap the biggest political battles shaping the beautiful game and give you a taste of what’s to come.

We start with Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza and the mounting grassroots calls to expel Israel from world football — alongside the deafening silence from FIFA and UEFA. From there, we shift to the women’s game, exploring the politics laid bare in the Women’s Euros, the African Cup of Nations, and the Copa América Femenina.

We also dive into the controversies around the Club World Cup: Gianni Infantino’s curious friendship with Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and what all this means for football’s future.

This season, FootPol moves to a biweekly schedule — and we explain why. As ever, we want your input: like, share, and review the podcast, suggest future guests and topics, and connect with us on Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or by email at footpolpodcast [at] gmail [dot] com.

In the last episode of the seasone, co-hosts Guy and Francesco reflect on a great second season of FootPol, and pick apart some of the main themes from the season. They include conversations about community clubs and inclusivity as well as the relationship between social class and football in the past and present. There's also a look at the number of Asia-related episodes that were produced and what could be in store for next season.

But before that check out the back catalogue of episodes that you might have missed. And mark your calendars to join Guy and Francesco from September for season three. If you've got some thoughts and ideas of future episodes, topics and guests, then get in touch! You can do that via the FootPol Podcast's social media channels on BlueSky, Facebook and Instgram as well as Guy's and Francesco's LinkedIn profiles or via the podcast's email account, which is footpolpodcast AT gmail DOT com.

In this episode of The FootPol Podcast, Guy and Francesco explore how war is disrupting football in 2025, focusing on conflicts that are ongoing or escalated this year.

They examine:

• Israel’s war on Palestine and Palestinians, especially in Gaza
• The 12-day Israel–US conflict with Iran
• The Sudanese civil war
• The advance of Rwanda-backed M23 forces in eastern DR Congo

The discussion looks at how these wars affect domestic leagues, players, and fans—as well as the wider political repercussions for national teams. From FIFA’s silence on banning Israel to how a potential US travel ban under Donald Trump could affect Iranian and possibly Sudanese fans at the 2026 World Cup, this episode tackles the uncomfortable collision between politics and the pitch.

Despite the devastation, Guy and Francesco also reflect on how football persists as a source of community, resilience, and hope in even the darkest corners of conflict.

This week, Francesco and Guy are joined by Josh Bland, a research student at the University of Cambridge, to explore the enduring and evolving relationship between football and social class in England.

Josh traces the historic connection between the working class and the beautiful game, and unpacks how today’s football—especially in its commercialised Premier League form—challenges ideas of “authentic” fandom and identity. Are traditional ties to the game only found further down the football pyramid? And how is class itself understood in contemporary Britain, through the lens of football culture?

A thoughtful and timely conversation about heritage, identity, and how football reflects deeper shifts in British society.

In this episode, Francesco and Guy speak to Nora Beqaj, co-founder of Gals FC, football's community of non-competitive football for women and non-binary people. Nora explains how the game looks like when goals don't count, and how Gals FC is bringing football to a lot of people who would otherwise not play the game. 

This week, Francesco and Guy are joined by Spanish scholars Fernando Gutiérrez-Chico and Aníbal Mesa López to explore the remarkable rise of women’s football in Spain. From La Roja’s 2023 World Cup triumph to the political fallout of the Rubiales scandal, this episode examines how the women's game is reshaping Spanish football and society.

They discuss the evolution of the domestic league, the tension between women’s clubs that are affiliated with men’s teams versus independent outfits, and how fans and players navigate those dynamics, the subject of which was an article which Fernando and Aníbal co-authored with two other colleagues earlier this year.

Whether you're tracking the legacy of Spain's World Cup win or the broader transformation of women’s football in Europe, this episode offers a deep, nuanced look into a pivotal national story with global implications.

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This summer brings two major football tournaments into the spotlight: the Club World Cup and the Women’s Euros. In this episode, Francesco and Guy unpack the global politics surrounding both competitions—from restrictive US visa policies affecting teams and fans, to the growing cultural and social impact of the women’s game. As always, it’s not just about the football, but what the game reveals about the world beyond the pitch.

In this special double episode, Francesco interviews Maurizio Affuso, founder of Rage Sport, sportswear brand that dresses 'sport popolare' (people's sport), anti-fascist clubs. Maurizio tells the story of how Rage Sport Started, the link with Clapton Community Football Club and why sport and politics are closely connected for RAGE sport.  

In questo doppio episodio speciale italiano/inglese, Francesco intervista Maurizio Affuso, fondatore di Rage Sport,  marchio d'abbigliamento che veste lo sport popolare, solidale e antifascista. Maurizio racconta l'incredibile storia di RAGE, il suo legame con Clapton Community Football Club, e perche' per RAGE lo sport e' politica. 

Co-hosts Guy and Francesco sit down with researcher, publisher and podcaster Andy Fuller—the mind behind Reading Sideways Press and Everyday Runners—for a deep dive into the work that he has previously done, on the complex world of Indonesian football.

From vibrant stadiums packed with passionate fans to the darker sides of the beautiful game—corruption, mismanagement, and the deadly tragedy at Kanjuruhan Stadium in 2022—Andy offers sharp insights into the development of football in Indonesia since the colonial period to the present, and how the relationship between the fans, the authorities and football can reflect some of the underlying politics of the country.

With the FA Vase and FA Trophy finals putting non-league football in the national spotlight at Wembley on Sunday 11 May—including a nail-biting outing for Guy’s own Aldershot Town FC—this week’s episode dives into the vibrant, volatile world of the English non-league game.

Guy is joined by freelance journalist and non-league connoisseur Paul Caulfield to unpack the unique ecosystem of clubs outside the English Football League. What makes non-league tick? What keeps it alive? And why do some clubs dream big, risking financial turmoil for promotion, while others settle for sustainability and a secure place in their local communities?

Whether you're a die-hard fan of grassroots football or just wondering what lies beyond the Premier League limelight, this episode is your guided tour through the passion, pitfalls, and paradoxes of non-league life.

This week, Guy and Francesco are joined by Will Huddleston, who recently completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge, focusing on the early global success of Uruguayan football. Will unpacks how Uruguay — despite its small population — rose to international prominence as Olympic and World Cup champions in the 1920s and 1930, and how the national team’s triumphs became powerful political tools both domestically and abroad.

The conversation charts the evolution of Uruguayan football after its iconic 1950 World Cup victory, exploring its transformation under dictatorship and democracy. Will also discusses Uruguay's modern identity as a major exporter of footballing talent, and the ongoing story of the domestic game.

Along the way, the discussion tackles the political and cultural significance surrounding stars like Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani, examines the controversies they've courted, and looks at the growing momentum behind the women’s game in Uruguay.

For lovers of Uruguayan football — or anyone fascinated by the intersection of sport, politics, and national identity — this is an episode not to miss!

This week, Francesco switches seats—co-hosting and guesting—as he and Guy dive into a lively discussion about football in and from the Middle East, inspired by a brand-new report from the Sectarianism, Proxies and De-sectarianisation (SEPAD) Project at Lancaster University.

Francesco is joined by fellow co-editor Javier Bordon, along with SEPAD directors Simon Mabon and Edward Wastnidge, for a wide-ranging conversation that explores the Gulf states' rising influence in global football (especially Saudi Arabia and Qatar), identity and politics through the lens of the pitch - from Syria to Islam - and the role of fans, ultras, and diasporas, including Kurds in Sweden, Algerians in France and women in Iran.

Whether you’re into geopolitics, grassroots fandom, or just want to understand how the region is reshaping the global game, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. You can also check out the report on SEPAD's website here.

In this episode, Guy and Francesco welcome back friend of the pod Miguel Lourenço Pereira to talk about his new book Pasión: A Journey to the Soul of Spanish Football (out 21 April from Pitch Publishing).

Together, they dive into the political, cultural, and social undercurrents that have shaped Spanish football—from Franco’s regime using the sport as soft propaganda to the democratic era’s subtler, but still strategic, engagement with the game.

They explore how ownership models shifted in the late 1980s and early 1990s and what that meant for the sport's structure and soul. Miguel also sheds light on the role of national and regional identities in shaping clubs, fan bases, and rivalries, as well as the impact of demographic change—from inland depopulation to coastal booms, and the rise of second-generation stars like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal.

It’s a deep, passionate look at how fútbol reflects and refracts the story of modern Spain.

This week, Guy and Francesco are joined by Sean McCabe, Head of Climate Justice and Sustainability at Bohemian FC - a member-owned football club since 1890 with a mission that goes far beyond the pitch.

As the world’s first Head of Climate Justice and Sustainability in football, Sean shares how Bohemians are tackling the climate crisis through a justice-centered approach that puts the local community first. Sean also discusses other campaigns and activity carried out by this exceptional club.

If you're inspired to get involved, check out Bohemian FC's website and consider joining the club. And if you're already a fan elsewhere, Sean has a message: push your club to do better.

This week Guy and Francesco discuss football activism with Charl Galloway, a consultant specializing in women's football and inclusive sports spaces. As chairperson of Cardiff Dragons FC, co-founder of the Women's Football Collective, and a key player in bringing the LGBTQ+ EuroGames to Cardiff in 2027, Charl shares their insights on making the game more inclusive.

From the Dragons' commitment to diversity to the broader challenges minorities face in football and society, Charl unpacks the realities of representation, access, and allyship. Tune in to explore the often-overlooked aspects of football and discover what we can all do to level the playing field.

This week Carrie Dunn, a journalist, academic and good friend of the podcast talks to Francesco and Guy about her latest book,'Flying the Flag.' Carrie explains why British female players moved abroad to pursue their footballing dreams and the various challenges they have faced over time to do this, from the amateur era of the past to today's professional one. She also gives a brief preview of the upcoming Women Euros in Switzerland which takes place this summer. 

Carrie's book will be published in June, but is available for pre-order from all main websites. 

Why did FIFA award the 2030 World Cup to six countries across three continents—Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco? What political calculations shaped this unprecedented decision? And how prepared are these nations to host an expanded tournament?

In this companion episode to their recent discussion on the 2034 World Cup, Guy and Francesco break down the political and logistical challenges of the 2030 edition. They explore Morocco’s hosting ambitions against the backdrop of high youth unemployment and its ongoing occupation of Western Sahara. Plus, they’re joined by Dr Leslie Mabon from the Open University to examine the environmental criticisms of FIFA’s plan and whether sustainability concerns can be addressed.

 This week, Guy speaks with Theofilos Pouliopoulos, a project manager and sports consultant with deep expertise in Greek football. Theo unpacks the social origins of Greece’s football clubs and how politics has shaped the game—from the 1967-74 dictatorship to democracy and the post-financial crisis era. He explains why the Greek government intervened in football governance, leading to tensions with UEFA and FIFA and the absence of a legacy following Greece's 2004 Euros victory. The conversation also delves into race, Greece’s shifting demographics, and the evolving landscape of women’s football in the country.

This week, Guy and Francesco sit down with football author and journalist Jonathan Wilson—Guardian columnist, Football Weekly contributor, editor of The Blizzard, and co-host of It Was What It Was. They discuss his acclaimed book, Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics, exploring how tactical evolution is shaped by the political cultures they emerge from. They also discuss the idea of national styles of play, the impact of globalization on football, and the political significance of fanzines—where Jonathan first began his football writing journey.

Jonathan also has a new SubStack, Wilson's World, which explores more about football and football history.

In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Danyel Reiche of Georgetown University Qatar about the German football model and more broadly about the relationship between football and politics in the country. Danyel discusses the 50+1 rule of ownership and how it influences the relationship between fans and clubs along with the exceptions that are Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg, as well as the role of the national football team as a source of national unity along  with the development of the women's game in the country.

How is football being used as a tool of power and influence in the Gulf? This week, Guy and Francesco sit down with Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a scholar at Rice University and expert on the region, to unpack the strategic playbook behind Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE’s deep dive into the beautiful game.

Kristian explains how these states leverage football not just for global prestige but as part of their long-term efforts to diversify their economies beyond oil and gas. From the legacy of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision for the sport’s future, we explore what these moves mean for football fans and geopolitics alike.

Plus, we discuss Kristian’s upcoming book, The Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the Remaking of World Soccer, coming this August from Hurst—available for pre-order now!

This week, co-hosts Guy and Francesco sit down with Joe Short, a director at Lewes FC, to explore what makes this fan-owned club truly unique. Lewes FC is known not just for its community-driven ethos but also for its groundbreaking commitment to gender equality—allocating equal budgets to both its men's and women's teams.

Joe shares insights into the club’s broader mission, from advocating for equal prize money in football to taking a stand against gambling sponsorships and prioritizing environmental sustainability.

After listening, why not join Francesco for a match at the iconic Dripping Pan ground and experience Lewes FC’s values in action?

This week co-hosts Francesco and Guy talk to Hassanane Balal, host and founder of the Iraqi Football Podcast. Hassanane explains how sport and politics are closely connected in the football-mad country, and in particular how football provided unity and hope during Iraq's darker days. Hassanane points to Iraq winning the Asian championship in 2007 as a key moment and discusses the role and impact of foreign-born Iraqi players alongside Iraq's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. One not to miss!

Once you've listened to this episode, check out the Iraq Football Podcast as well.

This week Guy and Francesco talk to Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Chun Wing Lee about the game in Hong Kong and China. Wing Lee recounts how the game got started, first in Hong Kong and then southern China and how Hong Kong became the powerhouse of Asian football in the 1960s and 1970s with the continent’s first professional league. He then brings developments up to date, explaining why Hong Kong’s football is in decline and the challenges that the professional game faces both there and in China. Finally he offers insights into the state of the women’s game as well as the culture of fandom in China and Hong Kong, including transnational support for English and other European teams.

This week co-hosts Guy and Francesco sit down with Yacov Zohn, a PhD candidate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to explore the fascinating history of football during the Soviet era and its evolution in post-Soviet Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia. Yacov talks about how Soviet football reflected the centralisation of power in Moscow under the party-state, the impact of political and economic shifts under leaders like Stalin and Khrushchev on the game, and the continuities between the Soviet and post-Soviet periods, including the influence of oligarchic power on football clubs in the region.

Join us for an engaging discussion that connects politics, history, and sport, shedding light on how the legacy of the Soviet Union continues to shape football in these successor states.

This week, Guy and Francesco are joined by Jung-Woo Lee from Edinburgh University to explore the fascinating intersection of football and politics in North and South Korea. Among the subjects covered in the episode include: the origins of football on the Korean peninsula and how it evolved in the North and South; the role of football in shaping national and political identities, including the communist regime's promotion of its teams in the North and the significance of the 2002 World Cup in the South; and insights into Korean football migration—how it compares to other migrant journeys and its broader implications.

Co-hosts Guy and Francesco reflect on the political stories that shaped football in 2024 and those likely to dominate 2025. Francesco highlights the Israel–Gaza war and its impact on football, as well as the ambivalence of sporting bodies to sanction Israel. Guy suggests football’s environmental footprint, citing the controversial decisions to host the 2030 World Cup across three continents and the 2034 tournament in oil-rich Saudi Arabia.

Looking ahead, they discuss the politically charged football events that may define 2025, including the Women’s Euros, the Manchester City vs. Premier League legal ruling, FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, and the A22 Group’s push to create a European Super League as an alternative to the Champions League.

FIFA has officially awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, sparking debate among football fans and observers worldwide. In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco take a look at the decision with Aziz Alghashian, a Saudi academic and football enthusiast, and Stephen Cockburn, Deputy Director of Amnesty International.

Aziz shares insights into how hosting the World Cup aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader domestic and international strategies. Stephen highlights concerns about the bidding process and the human rights implications, while also discussing how the tournament could be leveraged to push for positive changes in the region.

Guy and Francesco round out the conversation with their reflections on the politics of World Cups and FIFA's role on the global stage.

The FootPol Podcast will be taking a break after this episode until 6 January when the next episode drops. To all our listeners: have a Happy Holiday Season and New Year!

This week on the show, Guy is joined by Professor Daniel Memmer, a leading expert from the German Sport Institute in Cologne. Together, they dive deep into the evolving world of football analytics. Daniel sheds light on how cutting-edge technology and new data are revolutionizing the game, from player performance to club strategies.

But it’s not just about the numbers! They explore how these advancements are shifting power dynamics within football—between clubs, players, coaches, and even fans. If you’ve ever wondered how data is shaping the beautiful game on and off the pitch, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Daniel’s work on his profile and through his book, Data Analytics in Football.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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!

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 

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).  

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.