A History of European Football in 100 Objects: The Alternative Football Museum

The Alternative Football Museum in Amsterdam explores the dark and controversial history of European football, including greed, cheating, match-fixing, bribery, extortion, and murder. The exhibits highlight the worst of the human condition, such as the French captain who joined the Gestapo, the notorious Stasi boss Erich Mielke, Gaddafi's son playing in Italy, the 1970s Lazio side that put Wimbledon's Crazy Gang to shame, and the Romanian club owner who tried to stop hooliganism with a moat full of crocodiles. The curator, Bollen, is passionate, meticulously informed, and funny, providing an insightful take on the game that is both compelling and poignant.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2022
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

The Alternative Football Museum in Amsterdam offers a captivating journey into the hidden history of European football. Curator Jan Bollen delves into the archives to uncover a series of shocking and bizarre incidents that have shaped the sport over the years. The museum showcases a collection of 100 objects, each representing a different aspect of European football's darker side.

The exhibits highlight the worst aspects of human behavior, including greed, cheating, match-fixing, bribery, extortion, and even murder. Among the notable exhibits are:

• The story of the French captain who joined the Gestapo during World War II.
• The notorious Stasi boss, Erich Mielke, who was a passionate football fan and used his authority to manipulate the game.
• The son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi playing in Italy during the 1970s.
• The 1970s Lazio side, known as the "Crazy Gang," who put Wimbledon's hooliganism to shame with their violent and aggressive behavior on the field.
• The Romanian club owner who tried to prevent hooliganism by building a moat full of crocodiles around the stadium.

Bollen's expertise as a curator is evident in the way he presents the information. He is passionate, meticulously informed, and often humorous, providing insightful commentary on the game and its history. His take on football is compelling and at times poignant, resonating with every curious football fan.

The Alternative Football Museum is an exhibition that offers a unique perspective on the sport, challenging the traditional narratives and revealing the darker side of its past. It is a must-visit for anyone who wants to understand the full history and complexity of European football.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 144 x 223 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801500586