Overview

The emblem of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), is claimed to symbolize a ""global fraternity united in sport"". However, the globalization of relations between football's national associations, intercontinental federations and the world body have more often been conducted on the basis of parochial, national or regional loyalties rather than on a sense of internationalism. Nowhere has this been more apparent than in the relationship between FIFA and the Confederation Africaine de Football. This book explores the role of FIFA in brokering the development of football in Africa and its relationship with that continent's football associations and regional governing body. Africa is no longer on the periphery of world football but the economic disparities between the first and the third worlds hinder the development of the game. The author shows convincingly how Africa's advance within world football is tied to its national political economy and how the balance of power within FIFA still clearly favours its European members.

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9780714680293

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Reviews

'It is rare for a European to take the time and do the hard work that is inevitably required to be able to understand African football in its true perspective. However, Paul Darby's book ... is one of the rare few that can be said to do the subject justice.' - Four Four Two 'Darby deserves praise for moving beyond simplistic arguments about cultural imperialism as he brings out the contradictory historical legacy of Africa's integration into world soccer.' - Soccer and Society

<p>'It is rare for a European to take the time and do the hard work that is inevitably required to be able to understand African football in its true perspective. However, Paul Darby's book ... is one of the rare few that can be said to do the subject justice.' - Four Four Two<p>'Darby deserves praise for moving beyond simplistic arguments about cultural imperialism as he brings out the contradictory historical legacy of Africa's integration into world soccer.' - Soccer and Society

Author Information

Paul Darby

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