States of Play
How Sportswashing Took Over Football
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States of Play
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Narrated by:
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Miguel Delaney
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Patrick Moy
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By:
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Miguel Delaney
About this listen
A TIMES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR
A TELEGRAPH BOOK OF THE YEAR
AN IRISH TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR
A SECOND CAPTAINS BOOK OF THE YEAR
'Important, perfectly timed and hugely necessary.' The Guardian
'Magnificent. Some of the details are eye-popping.' Irish Independent
'Football needs this book. A monumental piece of investigative journalism.' Irish Times
'A must-read on how modern football works.' Ian Wright
'Brave, forensic and utterly gripping.' Tom Holland
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The definitive account of how capitalism and the world's elite corrupted modern football
As the 2022 World Cup in Qatar drew to a close, there was a bitter undercurrent to Argentina's triumph. Throughout the tournament, numerous allegations of sportswashing and financial misconduct had been made against the state of Qatar, moving what had previously been a smaller conversation into the worldwide spotlight.
The question had been asked, who really owns and runs football?
Journeying from Abu Dhabi to Newcastle, and onto London, Paris, Moscow and New York, journalist Miguel Delaney investigates the allegations of sportswashing and misconduct in the beautiful game. The result is a gripping account of how football has been taken over by the world's wealthiest businessmen, state-backed corporations, media tycoons and oil-rich oligarchs.
From Neymar's £198 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain and Abu Dhabi's construction empire in Manchester to failed Financial Fair Play constraints and the dawn of the European Super League, Miguel draws on exclusive interviews and unprecedented access to key stakeholders to produce an all-encompassing exposé of modern footballs highest echelons.
Authoritative, riveting and eye-opening, States of Play reveals how football has become a tool for the world's elite.
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'The moral compass that the game needs.' Andy Brassell
'In this excellent investigation, Delaney reveals the ugly side of the beautiful game.' Oliver Bullough
'The most important football book of its generation.' Jack Pitt-Brooke
'This book tackles the major issue affecting football today with fearlessness and forensic scrutiny. An important investigation for our times.' Laurie Whitwell
'A majestic book. The essential guide to how the people's game has become the plaything of the very rich and powerful.' Jonathan Wilson
Miguel Delaney's STATES OF PLAY was ranked in the Irish Times bestsellers list weeks of 11th & 18th November 2024.©2024 Miguel Delaney (P)2024 Orion Publishing Group Limited
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What listeners say about States of Play
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anthony
- 09-12-24
Eye opening
A fantastic insight into football and it's perils. Very well written and researched. A history lesson on the politics of the Middle East and Europe, as well as a deep dive into football finances and it's future.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 11-12-24
A Brilliant Intersection of Football, Geopolitics, and Power.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Miguel Delaney did an incredible job weaving together the worlds of football, geopolitics, and power dynamics in a way that's both insightful and captivating.
I originally bought the book after hearing Miguel on the Arsecast pod with Andrew, but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it all came together. As someone who loves geopolitics, the nuances of hard and soft power, and of course, football, I found the book to be a masterclass in linking these themes seamlessly.
Highly recommended for anyone who’s a fan of football and enjoys exploring the bigger picture of how the sport intersects with global politics and influence. Fantastic work, Miguel!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 21-12-24
Tour de Force
This book is brilliantly written and absolutely necessary. It is like a compendium of all the games Ills of which I thought I was aware, but to have them dissected and presented forensically reveals that they still have the ability to shock. We have witnessed a heist that was hidden in plain sight and this book brilliantly exposes the entire swamp of self interest, pettiness and greed.
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