In this chat with Miguel Delaney, author of 'States of Play,' listeners dive into the murky world of sportswashing in football. Delaney unveils how financial power has shifted competitive balance, especially since Abramovich’s era at Chelsea. The conversation explores the implications of foreign ownership, particularly with Newcastle's Saudi backing, and critiques FIFA and UEFA's failures to protect the game. Delaney also reflects on Manchester City's dominance, questioning the authenticity of modern football's values amid heavy investment.
Miguel Delaney's book explores how sportswashing has intertwined with football, highlighting the impact of geopolitical interests on the sport.
The introduction of wealthy oligarchs in football ownership has disrupted competitive integrity, making it harder for smaller clubs to thrive.
Fan advocacy has proven essential in driving change within the sport, particularly in response to regulatory failures and proposals like the Super League.
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Landon Donovan and Tim Howard Launch 'Unfiltered Soccer'
Landon Donovan and Tim Howard introduce their new podcast, aiming to provide deep insights into the U.S. men's national soccer team's journey toward the World Cup 2026, along with updates from various soccer leagues and international tournaments. They emphasize the unique perspective they bring as former professional athletes, promising candid discussions about current events in soccer. The podcast aims to create a community around soccer, engaging with listeners through personal anecdotes from their storied careers both on and off the pitch. By covering topics from MLS to La Liga, they hope to share a comprehensive view of the evolving soccer landscape.
Arsenal's Injury Updates and Upcoming Challenges
The episode captures the anticipation surrounding Arsenal's upcoming match against Nottingham Forest after a prolonged interlull, focusing on injury updates for key players like Leandro Trossard and Bakayo Saka. While there is uncertainty regarding player availability, the discussion illustrates the significance of these updates for fan engagement and team dynamics. The host shares expectations for Mikel Arteta's pregame press conference, where further clarity on team news is anticipated. As the episode progresses, attention turns to the larger implications of squad depth and resilience in light of the bustling match schedule ahead.
Miguel Delaney Discusses 'States of Play'
Miguel Delaney joins the podcast to discuss his book 'States of Play', which investigates the concept of sports washing and its intricate relationship with football's economic and political shifts. He conveys the idea that sport has become a tool for geopolitical positioning, as exemplified by clubs like Manchester City and PSG, reshaping how football is played and perceived. Delaney explains that understanding this issue requires recognizing the broader context of capitalism and regulatory failures in football management. The discussion highlights how historical events, such as the rise of oligarchs and nation-states in football ownership, have transformed competitive integrity in the sport.
The Impact of Financial Inequality in Football
The conversation shifts to the challenges posed by financial inequality in football, where a handful of clubs dominate through wealth generated by external investments. Delaney notes that this concentration of wealth has compromised competition, making it increasingly difficult for smaller clubs to compete effectively. He illustrates how the introduction of oligarchs into football ownership has distorted traditional narratives of competition that once defined the sport. As a result, the listeners are left pondering the future landscape of football, where profitability trumps sporting merit more than ever.
The Role of Fans and Future of Football Regulation
Delaney emphasizes the critical role of fans in advocating for change, particularly in response to the Super League controversy, where fan backlash played a key role in imploring clubs to withdraw from the proposal. He discusses the potential for independent regulation of football, sparked by the actions of governing bodies like UEFA and the Premier League, aiming to hold clubs accountable for their financial dealings. The conversation hints at a hopeful narrative, suggesting that while the sport faces significant challenges, there exists a pathway toward greater transparency and fairness. As discussions around fan ownership and regulatory reform gain momentum, the possibility for a more equitable football landscape emerges.
In this episode I'm joined by Miguel Delaney to chat about his new book: 'States of play – How sportwashing took over football'. We discuss what sportswashing actually means, and how in this book we come to understand it's a very broad term to quickly describe how football, money and politics have become inextricably linked. We chat about the impact it has had on competitiveness in the game, why Roman Abramovich's arrival at Chelsea in 2003 opened a Pandora's Box, the Premier League's culpability, how FIFA and UEFA have failed to safeguard the game and instead jumped on the gravy train, and lots more. You can also win one of two copies of the book.