Ronny Blaschke – författare

Power Players: Football in Propaganda, War and Revolution takes a fascinating look at the ugly side of the beautiful game. Football is increasingly becoming an instrument of political power. Dictators in the Middle East brutally bring players into line and present themselves in the stands as fathers of the people. In Syria, stadiums were used as military bases and internment camps. But football is often also directed against the state. In Yugoslavia, Ukraine and the Arab world, 'ultras' and hooligans have fought on the front line in revolutions, and gone to war. Award-winning journalist Ronny Blaschke brings these battles to life, having researched them across four continents. He traces how power in football is shifting as club investors from China, Russia and the Gulf States secure economic influence in Europe for their governments. Blaschke explores the interplay between politics, history, religion and football to shine a light on a subject poorly understood and seldom discussed.

Explosive and groundbreaking study of racism in football and its roots from award-winning journalist Ronny Blaschke.Racism in football is reduced to neo-Nazis and monkey chants. But if we want to understand its origins, we have to go back further. Drawing on more than 100 interviews from five different continents, this hard-hitting investigation reveals how:Colonial powers such as Britain and France wanted to ‘civilise’ their subjects through sportTheir racial theory has long since been debunked, yet racist thinking still characterises European football todayBlack people are often considered powerful athletes, but rarely get the opportunity to become coaches or board membersColonial thinking still persists in talent scouting, sponsorship and the mediaRacism is blighting football in Britain, Brazil, Namibia and India among other placesAt the centre of this book are people – players, fans and activists – who stand up to racism with courage and grit. In England, black referees are networking to have a stronger voice. In Brazil, reporters are producing a podcast for Afro-Brazilian issues in sport. Above all, the question is: how can racism in football be pushed back?