Published in March 2023, Issue Forty Eight and its five sections contain 15 articles including reflection on the Qatar World Cup; three stories out of Africa,; footballers from Somalia, Israel, Scotland and Norwich; and football’s natural born entertainers.
WORLD CUP
Unreal City – Jonathan Wilson
The consecration of Lionel Messi and the morbid spectacle of the Qatar World Cup
The Snapper – Shubi Arun
The photographer Paul Childs on the drama of Argentina’s win over the Netherlands
The Stopper – Vladimir Novak
Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic shone in Doha but may never leave Dinamo Zagreb
Worth A Thousand Words – Phil Walker
A whistle-stop tour of the 2022 World Cup
AFRICA
Succession Crisis – Osasu Obayiuwana
An investigation into the chaos that has gripped CAF since Issa Hayatou was ousted
The Boss – Samindra Kunti and Philippe Auclair
Who is Patrice Mosepe, the Gianni Infantino ally who is president of CAF?
Decline and Disillusionment – Osasu Obayiuwana
The long-time CAF general secretary Mustafa Fahmy reflects on the game in Africa
ENTERTAINERS
The Flavour of Life – Alberto Faccinetti
The story of Alviero Chiorri, the genius who refused to make sacrifices
The Entertainer – Ben Welch
What is it that makes a player prefer the flamboyant to the efficient?
HORIZONS
The Prospect – Sean Cole
Freddy Adu, immense promise, the fame machine and the dashing of dreams
Hilltop FC – Dominic Bliss
How a club currently playing in Ruislip has become a home from home for London’s Somali community
Flight of the Canaries – Ewan Flynn
The glorious season when Norwich went toe-to-toe with Bayern and Inter
Truth to Power – Shaul Adar, Truth to Power
What happens when you write about the politics surrounding Beitar Jerusalem?
The Call-Up – Tommy Hutchinson
Tommy Hutchinson remembers being selected for Scotland for the first time
EIGHT BELLS
Family Fortunes – Jo Harman
Eight examples from football of recruitment decisions favouring close contacts