The Syrian Civil War is so hugely significant that it seems redundant to even try and explain the gravitas of its impact. An eleven-year, enduring and brutal conflict that has left a once great nation with one of the highest numbers of displaced people in the world. The pain it has brought is as terrifying…

Nottingham Forest’s promotion last season was not only a relief to the long-suffering supporters, but one which has charmed neutrals worldwide. Whether it’s the unique yet wonderfully simple logo, the beautifully classic stadium or the rich history of European greatness, the purists of the world are delighted to see such a historic club retake its…

The Azerbaijani was his generation’s greatest player – now he wants to be its greatest coach.   For football-loving Azerbaijanis, Gurban Gurbanov is best remembered as a footballer for his double strike against Serbia and Montenegro in Podgorica in 2003 and was named the best player of Azerbaijan in that year.    His persistence as…

August is here, beautifully prepared turf at stadia across countries, clear blue-sky mixes with sizzling hot temperatures and long summer evenings. It’s the time of year again when the European football season rolls into town after a summer’s break.   New signings, new managers, new targets & new expectations fill stadia everywhere amongst fanbases. Pre-season…

The English league pyramid is a beautiful thing. All it takes is for a group of dedicated, loyal individuals to create something so special that works its way up from the local park to the oldest cup competition in the world.    Hilltop Football Club have done just that. What started as a group of…

In January 2015, The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe published a report by Michael Connarty titled, ‘The Reform of Football Governance’. This report sought to both examine and expose the alleged corruption which led to Qatar’s successful bid in December 2010 to host the 2022 World Cup.   That success caused consternation amongst…

It has been over a decade since Rangers hit their lowest of lows; the club’s financial mismanagement had finally come back to haunt them and The Rangers Football Club Plc was liquidated, relegating the Gers to the fourth tier of Scottish football with seemingly no path back to the top.   Yet on the 17th…

Nilton Santos, Garincha, Jairzinho, Alemao, Didi and more. What do you think of when those names come up? Obviously Brazil, but which club did they play for? During various times throughout history, they have shone for arguably the best or at least the most decorated National Team in football history. But who did they shine…

Just this week, Liverpool blocked Mohamed Salah from participating in the eagerly anticipated Olympic games in Tokyo, leaving the Egyptian FA frustrated. Despite Shawky Gharib, the Egyptian national team manager, claiming that Salah wanted to play but it was just Liverpool who refused. “Salah was a key player in my plans but the club refused…