Overview

Citing the professionalism and commercialisation that dominate the multibillion-dollar soccer industry, this fascinating study also describes the game's rebellious side -- from its working-class roots and political protests from fans and players to the current resurgence within radical communities. Documenting a complete history of the sport, this perceptive work also reflects on common criticisms, including the ways that soccer ferments nationalism, serves right-wing powers, and fosters competitiveness. Acknowledging these concerns, alternative perspectives on the game and practical examples of how to achieve egalitarian matches are explored. Serving as both as an orientation for the politically conscious football supporter and as an inspiration for those who try to pursue the love of the game away from television sets and big stadiums, this thoughtful examination reclaims the notion of soccer as ""the peoples game"".

Full Product Details

9781604860535

Table of Contents

Reviews

Kuhn's wonderful, accessible and necessary book develops football's beginnings through the tribalism, sexism, and bigotry that qualified the game during much of the 20th century. -- Freedom newspaper

I was greatly encouraged by this work. It provided me with alternative ways to play, enjoy, and talk about football, leaving behind nationalism and the exclusiveness of elite athletes. . . . Unite the world through football, and reclaim sports! --Minobu, Rage Football Collective (RFC), Japan

Kuhn is impressive in his global and historical scope, and in acknowledging gender and sexuality questions as well as those of class and race, as he looks at issues ranging from the exploitation of African players to the way the World Cup has been abused politically. -- When Saturday Comes (September 2011)

Author Information

Gabriel Kuhn was one of Austria's youngest semiprofessional soccer players in the 1980s and is the founder of the Alpine Anarchist Productions publishing company. He is the author of Life Under the Jolly Roger, the editor of Living for the Revolution, and the editor/translator of Gustav Landauer: Revolution and Other Writings.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available