Matt Slater

Adam Crafton and Matt Slater, football reporters from The Athletic, dive into the exciting potential of La Liga matches hitting U.S. soil, with a focus on a historic clash between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami. They discuss the hurdles faced and approvals required for this groundbreaking event. The duo also explores the broader implications for La Liga and its competition with Major League Soccer, alongside the financial intricacies involved. Plus, they touch on the controversial idea of a Premier League '39th game,' stirring up debates on globalization in sports.

David Ornstein, an experienced football journalist, shares insights on Arsenal's current position in the Premier League and the impact of boardroom changes. Adam Crafton dives into Arteta's cautious midfield strategy and comparisons with top strikers like Haaland. Meanwhile, Matt Slater discusses the influence of American ownership at Arsenal and the implications of Tim Lewis's exit. Together, they analyze the title race, contract dynamics, and even critique Chelsea's goalkeeper situation. A thrilling conversation for any football fan!

Join Matt Slater, a business of football writer, and James Horncastle, an Italian football expert, as they explore the Premier League's record-breaking spending and its impact on European football. They discuss the widening financial gap with other leagues, the potential challenges of maintaining global dominance, and the intrigue of introducing a '39th game' abroad. The conversation also touches on how esports could redefine audience engagement and the complexities of soccer media rights in an evolving landscape.

Matt Slater and Adam Crafton, reporters for The Athletic, join Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, to dive into the clash between UEFA and FIFA over club football's future. They discuss the transformative effects of the Club World Cup and its implications for governance. The trio also highlights the pressing need for reforms to balance finance disparities while safeguarding player welfare amidst ambitious tournament expansions. Finally, they explore the controversial idea of hosting domestic games abroad and its impact on local fan cultures.

Joining the discussion are Matt Slater, a senior football news reporter, Tom Williams, a French football writer, and Matt Woosnam, a Crystal Palace correspondent. They delve into the unexpected relegation of Lyon, examining the impact of John Textor's multi-club ownership model. The trio discusses the financial turmoil facing the club, fan frustrations, and the challenges of UEFA compliance. They also explore the implications of Lyon's struggles for the broader French football landscape and what it means for Crystal Palace's European dreams.