How Abu Dhabi Took Over Manchester City | Part One
Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore the complex history behind the Abu Dhabi takeover of Manchester City. The discussion begins with a chilling recount of a 1984 assassination of UAE ambassador Khalifa Ahmad Mubarak, claimed by the Arab Revolutionary Brigades. This incident serves as a critical backdrop for understanding the motivations and geopolitical factors influencing contemporary Middle Eastern involvement in global sports. Jonathan and Rob look into the precarious position of Abu Dhabi, the history of the UAE's formation, and the significant figures like Khaldoon Al Barak and Sheikh Zed, shedding light on why Abu Dhabi has ventured into the world of football ownership and how this has reshaped not just Manchester City but football in general.Join us on Friday for Part Two.00:00 Tragic Assassination in Paris00:54 Introduction to the Podcast01:03 The Abu Dhabi Takeover of Manchester City03:21 Comparing Abramovich and Sheik Mansour04:29 The Shock of the 2008 Takeover05:09 The Initial Skepticism and Rabino Signing07:21 The Role of Solomon Al Faim09:26 The Importance of Kaldoon Al Mubarak15:41 The Aggressive Approach to Regulation22:34 Massacre at Saia and Its Impact24:25 Khaldoon Al Mubarak's Background27:19 Transformation of Abu Dhabi32:23 Discovery of Oil and Its Implications43:19 Formation of the United Arab Emirates44:50 Challenges from Regional Powers45:56 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Fall of Diego Maradona | Part Two
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, Jonathan and Rob look into the tragic and fascinating latter years of Diego Maradona's professional football career during the 1990s. Jonathan and Rob explore Maradona's struggles with cocaine addiction, legal troubles, and numerous attempts to revive his career amidst a national crisis for Argentina's football team. From his return to his parents' hometown to his controversial time at the 1994 World Cup, follow Maradona's tumultuous journey as he battles to maintain his footballing legacy.Please rate, review, and recommend the podcast.00:00 Introduction to Argentina's Turbulent Football History00:33 Diego Maradona's Struggles and Return01:09 Argentina's National Team Crisis01:56 Maradona's Controversial Comeback05:01 Challenges with Argentine Football Culture10:38 Maradona's Legal and Personal Battles16:56 Road to the 1994 World Cup24:41 Maradona's Defense and Consequences26:16 Public Reaction and Media Coverage27:30 Argentinian Utopianism and Football31:12 Maradona's Struggles and Ban36:38 Attempted Comeback and Managerial Stints38:16 Final Matches and Retirement48:22 Legacy and Future Stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Fall of Diego Maradona | Part One
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper bring a two-part special focussing on the decline of one of the greatest footballers ever, Diego Maradona.In part one, our co-hosts talk about Maradona's struggles with drug addiction, failed drug tests, and his eventual 15-month ban from football after a positive cocaine test in 1991. Despite these challenges, Maradona's impact on both the Napoli and Argentina national teams remained significant. Discover the infamous 5-0 defeat of Argentina by Colombia in 1993 and explore why the nation clamoured for Maradona's return to save their 1994 World Cup hopes. The episode provides a comprehensive look at Maradona's turbulent years leading up to his attempts at making a comeback.Join us on Friday for Part Two.00:00 Introduction and Context00:30 The Decline of Diego Maradona02:01 The Infamous Argentina vs. Colombia Match04:57 The Fallout and National Disgrace10:48 Maradona's Cultural Significance16:04 Maradona's Turbulent Life in Naples23:51 Maradona's Decline and Struggles with Fitness25:19 Cocaine Scandal and Legal Troubles26:53 The Fake Penis Incident and Drug Test30:53 Maradona's Radical Detox and Support System34:17 Political Context and Maradona's Popularity39:52 Return to Football and Move to Sevilla44:04 Struggles in Sevilla and Final Decline47:52 Personal Breakdown and Return to Roots Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Club World Cup Chaos: Part Two - Man United, Brazil, and Hang Gliding with Roy Keane!
Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. With the Club World Cup underway, we wrap up the week with Part Two of our Origin Story series, focusing on Manchester United’s chaotic 2000 Club World Cup campaign in Brazil.Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper unpack United’s controversial decision to withdraw from the FA Cup, the disorganised nature of the tournament, and the fiery clash between European entitlement and South American intensity. Plus, we'll hear about the now-legendary story of Roy Keane, Teddy Sheringham, and Nicky Butt hang gliding over Rio - doing their best to stay out of sight of Sir Alex Ferguson!If you're enjoying It Was What It Was, please hit subscribe to never miss an episode, and consider leaving us a five-star review to help others discover the show. Thank you for listening!And don't forget to subscribe to our new show Stick to Cricket, wherever you get your podcasts!00:00 English Expectations and Brazilian Strength00:48 Introduction to the Double History Podcast00:58 The Infamous 2000 Club World Cup02:01 FIFA's Ambitions and the Club World Cup03:36 The Controversial Decision: Manchester United's Dilemma04:27 Global Participation and FIFA's Motivations07:09 Political Pressures and England's World Cup Bid22:09 Manchester United's PR Disaster in Brazil25:18 The Tournament Begins: Double Header in Sao Paulo26:17 The Shabby Stadium and Initial Matches27:16 David Beckham's Red Card Incident28:22 United's Aloof Image and Public Relations Disaster29:26 Tournament Progress and Group Stage Results30:07 Vasco's Dominance Over Manchester United33:11 Gary Neville's Struggles and Team Support38:37 United's PR Disaster in Rio40:13 Impact on United's Season and Future Tournaments42:06 Reflections on the Club World Cup50:43 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Club World Cup Chaos: Part One - The Origin Story
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, with the Club World Cup underway, Rob and Jonathan delve into its chaotic and often violent origins!They explore how the early intercontinental tournaments were organised, from the first attempts in the late 19th century to the ultimate establishment of the Toyota Cup. We'll hear about infamous clashes between Celtic and Racing Club, and Manchester United and Estudiantes. Join us for part two on Friday, where we continue the journey into the modern era of the tournament and discuss the controversial 32-team format in the USA.(Apologies for a few audio issues with Rob's mic this week!)00:00 Introduction and Financial Woes00:21 The Club World Cup: Origins and Early Years01:31 Early International Competitions03:59 The Quest for a World Champion08:07 The First Recognized World Club Tournament13:41 The Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy16:50 The Copa Rio: A New Era23:16 Controversial Withdrawal and Unsatisfactory Victory23:37 Rebranding and Decline of the Tournament24:02 Violence and Domestic Dominance25:01 The Little World Cup in Venezuela26:46 The International Soccer League in the US28:47 European and South American Club Competitions30:45 The Birth of the Intercontinental Cup35:34 Violence and Controversy in the Intercontinental Cup41:36 Decline of the Intercontinental Cup44:06 The Toyota Cup Era45:23 The Expanded Club World Cup46:33 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast
Welcome to The Overlap's football history podcast, It Was What It Was.Each week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper will be talking about the key episodes in football history that have shaped the footballing world.The show will be discussing the best stories from football's past, giving insights to the personalities involved. the tales from behind the scenes and the impact they left.Join us at Football University!If you enjoy the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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