Foul Play

Football has an integrity problem. Whether it is the reckless behaviour of players on or off the pitch, television commentators bad-mouthing decisions during the game, or the corrupt governance of the sport, football has a tarnished reputation. Dan Hough analyses why this is and how to tackle it.

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Football has an integrity problem.



Whether it is the reckless behaviour of players on or off the pitch, television commentators bad-mouthing decisions during the game, or corrupt governance of the sport, football has a tarnished reputation. Big money means big public interest and an even bigger responsibility to make it a sport that is inclusive, professional and, at the very least, law-abiding.



Dan Hough, long-time player, supporter and professor of corruption analysis, puts the game under the microscope to explain how football’s integrity could be improved. He analyses the role of the players, managers and owners, the referees, the pundits and fans to unpick the issues at stake. Surprisingly, it is not just about the money sloshing around top-flight clubs, it is about the way the game is played, managed, governed and regulated that makes the sport’s ethos what it is. It is time that it was tackled properly.