

Christmassy Episode: Miguel Delaney on the geopolitics of football
Dec 21, 2024
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer at the Independent and author of 'States of Play,' dives into the fascinating interplay between geopolitics and football. He discusses the rising influence of Saudi Arabia in the sport, highlighting concerns over 'sportswashing' and human rights. Delaney reflects on China’s brief investment craze, contrasting it with Saudi ambitions. The chat also touches on the dichotomy between elite football and local clubs, alongside the holiday spirit, linking gift-giving to the ownership dynamics shaping the future of the sport.
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Geopolitics and Football: The Saudi Influence
02:08 • 25min
Geopolitics of Sport in Saudi Arabia
26:47 • 2min
Football, Finance, and Human Rights
28:27 • 20min
China's Brief Flirtation with Football and Saudi Arabia's Rise
48:00 • 4min
The Bifurcation of Modern Football
51:57 • 6min
The Geopolitics of Football Ownership and Holiday Gifting
57:51 • 3min