The FootPol Podcast

• The Drama of Greek Football ft. Theofilos Pouliopoulos

   This week, Guy speaks with Theofilos Pouliopoulos, a project manager and sports consultant with deep expertise in Greek football. Theo unpacks the social origins of Greece’s football clubs and how politics has shaped the game—from the 1967-74 dictatorship to democracy and the post-financial crisis era. He explains why the Greek government intervened in football governance, leading to tensions with UEFA and FIFA and the absence of a legacy following Greece's 2004 Euros victory. The conversation also delves into race, Greece’s shifting demographics, and the evolving landscape of women’s football in the country.

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• Are football styles and tactics political? ft. Jonathan Wilson

  This week, Guy and Francesco sit down with football author and journalist Jonathan Wilson—Guardian columnist, Football Weekly contributor, editor of The Blizzard, and co-host of It Was What It Was. They discuss his acclaimed book, Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics, exploring how tactical evolution is shaped by the political cultures they emerge from. They also discuss the idea of national styles of play, the impact of globalization on football, and the political significance of fanzines—where Jonathan first began his football writing journey.Jonathan also has a new SubStack, Wilson's World, which explores more about football and football history.

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• The German Football Model: Politics, Fans, and the 50+1 Rule ft. Danyel Reiche

  In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Danyel Reiche of Georgetown University Qatar about the German football model and more broadly about the relationship between football and politics in the country. Danyel discusses the 50+1 rule of ownership and how it influences the relationship between fans and clubs along with the exceptions that are Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg, as well as the role of the national football team as a source of national unity along  with the development of the women's game in the country.

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• Football's new home? The beautiful game in the Gulf ft. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen

  How is football being used as a tool of power and influence in the Gulf? This week, Guy and Francesco sit down with Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a scholar at Rice University and expert on the region, to unpack the strategic playbook behind Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE’s deep dive into the beautiful game.Kristian explains how these states leverage football not just for global prestige but as part of their long-term efforts to diversify their economies beyond oil and gas. From the legacy of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision for the sport’s future, we explore what these moves mean for football fans and geopolitics alike.Plus, we discuss Kristian’s upcoming book, The Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the Remaking of World Soccer, coming this August from Hurst—available for pre-order now!

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• Playing for equality: Lewes FC ft. Joe Short

  This week, co-hosts Guy and Francesco sit down with Joe Short, a director at Lewes FC, to explore what makes this fan-owned club truly unique. Lewes FC is known not just for its community-driven ethos but also for its groundbreaking commitment to gender equality—allocating equal budgets to both its men's and women's teams.Joe shares insights into the club’s broader mission, from advocating for equal prize money in football to taking a stand against gambling sponsorships and prioritizing environmental sustainability.After listening, why not join Francesco for a match at the iconic Dripping Pan ground and experience Lewes FC’s values in action?

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