Power Players: Football in Propaganda, War and Revolution

Football is increasingly being used as a tool of political power, with dictators in the Middle East using it to control players and present themselves as fathers of the people. In Yugoslavia, Ukraine, and the Arab world, ultras and hooligans have fought on the front line in revolutions and gone to war. Award-winning journalist Ronny Blaschke explores how power in football is shifting as club investors from China, Russia, and the Gulf States secure economic influence in Europe for their governments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2022
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

Football, the world's most popular sport, has been intertwined with politics, war, and revolution throughout history. In the Middle East, dictators have used football as a tool to exert their power, brutally controlling players and presenting themselves as the saviors of the people. In Syria, stadiums have been converted into military bases and internment camps, where thousands of people have been subjected to torture and suffering. However, football is not only used against the state. In Yugoslavia, Ukraine, and the Arab world, ultras and hooligans have been at the forefront of revolutions and conflicts, fighting on the front lines and even going to war. Award-winning journalist Ronny Blaschke has extensively researched these battles, traveling across four continents to bring them to life. In his book, "Power Players: Football in Propaganda, War, and Revolution," Blaschke explores the shifting power dynamics in football as club investors from China, Russia, and the Gulf States secure economic influence in Europe for their governments. He delves into the intricate interplay between politics, history, religion, and football, shedding light on a subject that is often misunderstood and overlooked. Blaschke's book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between sport, power, and society. It provides a compelling account of the ways in which football has been used as a tool for propaganda, war, and revolution, and offers insights into the potential consequences of this relationship for the future.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801503587