Soccer Scandals
When the Beautiful Game Turned Ugly
by Anton Rippon
In his latest work, veteran sports journalist Anton Rippon delivers a compelling exposé of football's darkest chapters, arriving at a particularly pertinent moment in the sport's history. Having spent decades chronicling sports history through over 50 books, Rippon applies his considerable expertise to a subject that continues to make headlines today.
The timing of this book couldn't be more relevant. As recent investigations reveal widespread corruption in global football, from match-fixing scandals to administrative corruption, Rippon's work provides crucial historical context to these contemporary issues. The book's scope is ambitious, spanning from the Edwardian era to modern times, weaving together tales of match-fixing, violence, and institutional corruption that have plagued "the Beautiful Game" – a term indeed popularised by Pelé, though its exact origins remain subject to debate.
Rippon's narrative strength lies in his ability to transform what could have been a dry catalogue of scandals into a gripping account that reads like a crime thriller. His inclusion of colourful details – like the referee caught with heroin in his underwear – adds both shock value and human interest to the larger institutional failures he describes. The geographical spread of his investigation, from Bolton to Brussels and Manchester to Montevideo, demonstrates the truly global nature of football's challenges.
While the book excels in its historical documentation and storytelling, its real value lies in how it connects these past incidents to present-day concerns. The author's treatment of topics like inadequate policing and stadium safety remains painfully relevant, especially considering recent controversies in modern football. The work serves not just as a historical record but as a warning about the persistent threats to the sport's integrity.
"Soccer Scandals" is more than just a sports book – it's a crucial document of how the world's most popular sport has often failed to live up to its beautiful ideal. Rippon has created an essential read for anyone interested in understanding football's complex relationship with corruption, violence, and reform. While the subject matter is often dark, the book's thorough research and engaging narrative style make it an invaluable addition to any sports literature collection.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Pen and Sword Books Ltd
Published: March 30, 2025
Price: £20.00
ISBN-10: 1399079107
ISBN-13: 978-1399079105
Hardcover: 224 pages
Dimensions: 234 x 156 (mm)
16 mono illustrations
British Pound Sterling
German
