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Sexual Harassment looms over sporting world

As the entertainment industry faces increasing calls for reform to tackle the inherent levels of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour within, and more and more politicians are under scrutiny for similar acts, it is important to recognise the serious problems which are also facing those in sport.

Earlier this year, the US women’s World Cup winning goalkeeper Hope Solo accused Sepp Blatter of sexual harassment, alleging that he inappropriately touched her at the 2013 Ballon d’Or awards, just before the pair went on stage. At this point Blatter was president of FIFA, but he has avidly denied the allegations, dismissing them as ‘ridiculous’. Solo spoke out claiming that sexual harassment and assault are ‘rampant’ in women’s football.

This issue, however, is nothing new – it has been a growing problem over the past few years as more and more athletes have spoken about. Following the Rio Olympic games in 2016, an investigation by the Indianapolis Star revealed that USA Gymnastics, the national governing body of the sport, failed to report over 50 sexual abuse allegations to the authorities. The most high profile case in gymnastics came in a lawsuit against the team doctor for the United States Dr Larry Nassar, as two gymnasts brought forward cases against him.

Nassar was later convicted, sentenced for 40-175 years in prison for historic sexual abuse and will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Sexual abuse also appears to have been an issue in the swimming world, with over 100 swimming coaches for the United States banned for abuse claims. Former Olympian Katherine Starr spoke out about years of abuse she had experienced from a coach, which she only found the courage to reveal after she retired from competitive swimming.

“is there a convenient culture of ignorance?”

She explained in an article written for the Huffington Post that ‘while I knew my sport had monsters, I was naïve to think that they were mostly on the pool deck’ as ‘many of my Olympic friends were sexually abused by male elite swimmers, in some instances already celebrated Olympians’. One of the most publicized cases coming from swimming shows that this has not just been a problem amongst Olympians or world champions, but the conduct of college athletes is also a serious issue. Brock Turner, the celebrated Stanford University swimmer who was witnessed raping an unconscious woman outside of a campus party, was sentenced to only 6 months in jail, despite the normal sentencing requirement being at least 2 years, if not in the range of 6-14 years. Many placed this decision on his potential as an athlete, causing immense controversy. Does the leniency that was displayed towards Brock Turner reflect the culture of ignoring the actions of athletes due to their medal-winning potentials?

A Canadian study has revealed that 8.1% of athletes can be found to have been raped by someone within their sporting community, whether it be a coach, doctor or another athlete. This is an incredibly shocking statistic and raises serious questions about the safety of athletes, and their vulnerability to those who hold some level of power over the success of their career.

There have been some efforts to instigate change in the sporting world, as Katherine Starr started an organisation called Safe4Atheletes, which advocates for the establishment of clear boundaries between coaches and athletes. It also seeks to educate young people about what the coach-athlete relationship should look like, and what should not be included in that power relationship.

“power’s propensity for manipulation is dangerous”

As within Hollywood and politics, power has more dangers than one might have expected. With power, aggressors have found they can abuse and assault those who may depend on them for careers, medals, health, or motivation, and that they can avoid consequences because of their ability cover it up, and because of their perceived importance in aiding a team to win medals or tournaments. Clearly, the sporting world has serious changes to make to ensure athletes are protected from sexual abuse, and to ensure that their voices can be heard.

Ranked: the worst badges in football

By now, I’m sure you’ve seen the monstrosity that is the new Leeds United badge- if you haven’t, I partly want you to stop reading and avert your gaze, preserving your unharmed posterior parietal cortex from seeing it.

Should you wish to continue, I can (predictably) offer no defence of the new design. With the initial design inspiration seemingly drawn from Stalin’s Communist Russia, surely someone in the graphics department must have queried what on earth this design represents, at any stage of the process? T

he computerised shading and font borrowed from a scaffolding company serve the sole purpose of distracting from a weirdly-proportioned silhouette that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a 1950’s war propaganda poster. The work experience kid at Leeds United could’ve concluded that the “six months of research, consulting over 10,000 fans” was an absolute waste of time.

Surely, I hear you proclaim: it must be the worst badge in football? Well, think again. Here are some other howlers from world football which, completely unintentionally, seem to utterly undermine anything they could possibly produce on the pitch.

Benevento Calcio – Italy.

From a city steeped in history, fans of Benevento Calcio must’ve looked ahead to this season, their first in Serie A, with delirium and optimism.

Their arrival to the top flight should’ve come with some rebranding, but instead they chose to keep their yellow/red striped badge with a cartoon witch on it.

It celebrates the legends of the witches of Benevento from the 13^th Century, but looks like it was created on Microsoft Paint by a pre-teen Harry Potter fan. Their record-breaking debut season hasn’t been remotely spellbinding; they have had the worst ever start to a season in any of Europe’s top five leagues, losing their first 14 games. No doubt they drew magical inspiration from their badge for their first points of the season, when their goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli headed in a 95^th minute equaliser against A.C Milan. Serie A’s own witch trial has ousted them for who they really are; much like those in the Middle-Age myths, they’ve sunk to the bottom with absolutely no hope of return.

Burton Albion – England.

Continuing the theme of teams anchored to the bottom of the table by their terrible badges, Burton Albion’s crest looks like it belongs to the local Sunday League side who play down the road. Much like their league form this season, there are almost too many things wrong with this badge- the “Brewers” is an apt name for the portly mascot who is playing in what look like high-heels. And the ‘BA’ logo, resembling that famous Burton monument the Eiffel Tower, seems to have taken this human-like figure closer to the shape of the Michelin man. That said, this pub side still must carry some sway- Darren Bent is set to join them on loan from Derby. The jury’s out on whether his weathered shooting boots can keep Burton up though, if everyone else in the squad looks like the bloke in their badge, I doubt it.

“i can’t work out whether this should be my six-aside crest”

AS Marsa – Tunisia.

I can’t work out whether this should be on this list, or whether I want to try and use it for my intramural 6-a-side team. Fundamentally, that is a horrific representation of a camel- there’s only one hump. One would assume that Tunisians are fairly sure of what a camel looks like, which makes it even more startling that it looks like the back end of the horse in the school play has got cramp and is trying to escape the costume. That said, they’ve got him in full kit and he looks like he’s got some skills- that no-look control and plenty (of water) in the tank makes me think he might be quite tidy. The old saying holds true: it’s easier to get a camel through a football team’s marketing department than the eye of a needle.

The comprehensive lowdown on the World Cup Play-offs

W ith Gareth Southgate safely guiding England through to our 14^th World Cup, our attentions are now drawn to the playoffs to see who else will have a shot at footballing glory as well as taking a look at those who have missed out.

Home Nations Disappointment

Despite Wales being ranked as the 14^th best team in the world by FIFA, they have failed to make it to their first World Cup in 60 years. The absence of injury-prone star Gareth Bale through a pulled calf proved costly too, as James McClean rifled in the game’s only goal to send the Republic of Ireland through to the playoffs.

Scotland’s campaign came to a similarly disappointing end. Fans were left despondent as they watched an unimaginative Gordan Strachan side fail to beat Slovenia – a victory would have sent them into the playoffs. Malky Mackay will now be attempting to coach Scotland to their first major tournament since 1998 as they embark on the Euro 2020 campaign.

ELSEWHERE

Alexis Sanchez will not be heading to Russia this summer

One of the biggest shocks of the qualification was seeing Copa America holders Chile fail to qualify. A 3-0 loss to Brazil in the final game saw them inched out of qualification by Argentina and Columbia, with Peru taking that single playoff place.

“DUTCH WOES CONTINUE”

Dutch woes continue after now failing to qualify for both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. Relying on 33-year-old Arjen Robben to be their main goal source as both Bas Dost and Vincent Janssen fail to impress on an international level.

A lot of the pressure of a National Team is placed upon its head coach. Bruce Arena couldn’t pick up the pieces of Jurgen Klinsmann’s crumbling USA side, meaning they failed to qualify for the first time since Mexico 1990. This collapse by the United States, however, has led to one of the brighter stories of the campaign as Panama qualify for the first time in the country’s history – who face Wales in a warm-up friendly this week in a twit of irony.

GREEN JOY

Perhaps one of the most fascinating football stories is the recent emergence of Northern Ireland on the international scene. The incredible support their fans showed in France last year, and continued throughout this campaign, could push Michael O’Neil’s organised unit to their first World Cup in 32 years. To do this they will have to overcome 11^th in the world Switzerland. FIFA rankings appear generous to a Swiss side that lacks both leaders and conviction. Sloppy errors cost them an automatic spot when they lost to Portugal in their final group game. Northern Ireland looks to have every chance in what should be a tight and tactical fixture.

Across the border, Republic of Ireland takes on former European Champions Denmark. Kasper Schmeichel may have to draw on some of his father’s heroics from 1992 if he wants to keep out the likes of James McClean, Robbie Brady and Shane Long, who thrive under Martin O’Neil’s counter-attacking style. The Danes however, seem to set up around one man in Tottenham’s midfield dynamo Christian Eriksen. Åge Hareide played Eriksen in every minute of their qualifying campaign, and the attacking midfielder managed to find the net on 8 occasions. Republic of Ireland have been handed a significant boost however with Denmark captain Simon Kjaer having picked up an injury against Barcelona this Saturday. Real problems exist in the Danish backline, Kjaer’s injury has been compounded with concerns about whether both Nicolai Jorgensen and Henrik Dalsgaard will return to full fitness before the match.

THE ONE TO WATCH

Arguably the biggest tie sees 4-time World Champions Italy paired up with Sweden. Although Sweden failed to qualify for the last two World Cups they have shown a lot of promise managing to nab a playoff spot in a difficult group containing France and the Netherlands. The teams seem evenly matched, even if Italy’s long search for a top striker appears to be over with Group G top scorer Ciro Immobile scoring 6 goals in 10 games and Torino’s talisman Andrea Belotti bagging 4 in 7 appearances. As for Sweden, Marcus Berg has stepped up with 8 in 9, proving to be an effective replacement for mercurial talent Zlatan Ibrahimović after the charismatic forward announced his retirement following Euro 2016 last summer.

“CROATIA FACE A TRICKY TASK AGAINST GREECE”

The final playoff in the European section sees a talented Croatia side take on the resilient Euro 2004 winners Greece. Greece has proven themselves feisty opponents, picking up 3 red cards over the course of their qualifying campaign. They will have to keep the midfield and defence tight in order to minimise the space for dangerous midfield pairing of Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitić and Real Madrid ace Luka Modrić to play into. It is hard to predict how Croatia will play given new boss Zlatko Dalić has only been in charge for one game, a 2-0 win over Ukraine to secure their spot in this playoff. It will be difficult for him to organise the team quickly and this could play into Greece’s favour; their physically imposing nature could capitalise on defensive frailties through attacking set pieces.

ACROSS THE GLOBE

As for the rest of the rest of the world, the OFC/CONMEBOL play-off seems a total mismatch as 10^th in the world Peru take on New Zealand who at 122^nd in the world, and would be the lowest ranked team to qualify. With Captain Winston Reid fit again and the ever-dangerous Burnley target man Chris Wood leading the line, New Zealand are ever optimistic they can make it to their 3^rd World Cup finals having gone unbeaten throughout the entire tournament in 2010. Peru are a very strong side but with pacey wingers in the form of Watford’s André Carrillo and Lokomotiv Moscow’s Jefferson Farfán they are more set up for a counter attack, and Peru may find it difficult to break down New Zealand’s compact 5-4-1 shape.

In the AFC/CONCACAF playoff, Honduras face Australia in what should be an exciting affair. Both teams have qualified for the previous two World Cups, but Honduras has yet to record a win in 9 games at the finals. Australia has proved much more successful in their attempts, being very unlucky to go out in the last 16 to a contentious, stoppage-time penalty to eventual champions Italy in 2006. Tim Cahill is the only player to remain in the squad from that team, and the all-time Australian all-time top scorer fired the two second-leg goals past a determined Syrian side to confirm Australia’s place in the playoff. Cahill and Australia will look to capitalise on the Hondurans shaky defence, shipping 25 goals in just 16 qualification games. Don’t write off Honduras however with Houston Dynamo’s forward duo of Romello Quioto and Alberth Elis hitting form with 10 of their 19 goals in qualification.

“PROLIFIC AUBAMEYANG WILL BE WATCHING FROM HOME”

The African section is also poised to hot up, with the final qualifying group games taking place over the course of the next two weeks. Egypt and Nigeria have already booked their place in Russia with Senegal and Tunisia looking set to join them, bar major collapses. This has meant that some big names have failed to qualify, Cameroon, Ghana and 2010 holders South Africa have all been eliminated. Prolific Borussia Dortmund Striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang will also be watching the World Cup at home as Gabon failed to qualify. Ivory Coast could be set to follow in their footsteps as well as they need a win against Group C leaders Morocco to put themselves on that plane this summer.

There’s the full round-up of the final qualifying stages for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Whatever happens in these next few days, it’s set to be a phenomenal World Cup of goals, drama and English fans moaning.

Best ever FIFA songs: The definitive list

A true hallmark of a good FIFA is the accompanying soundtrack; invariably, EA are masters at curating a playlist that complements the game-play. Here, Nick Marsden completes the authoritative list of the best songs to feature since the advent of the most successful footballing video game.

1. The Big Bang- Rock Mafia

This track has it all, an irresistible tapping rhythm and some truly impressive vocals in the chorus. Lyrically the track is slightly lightweight but given the passive listening of the average FIFA listener this isn’t an issue. Undeniably the catchiest and most representative FIFA song on this list, it impresses in all areas.

(Official content included for creative licence, please head over to YouTube website to listen)

2. Jerk it out – Ceasers

Where to begin? This indie rock piece clocks in at 3.15 but is relentless in every element. The flawlessly buoyant mantra ‘It’s easy when you know how it’s done/ you can’t stop now it’s already begun/ you feel it running through your bones’, will bring a smile to the face of even the coldest FIFA veteran. Guitars drenched in distortion elevate the track into the stratosphere.

3. Call it what you want- Foster The People

Slots perfectly into the top 3 with this distant and dreamy track. A whir of sounds brings the song to life after a cavernous opening, it’s a classic Foster-esque song with Mark Foster’s tenor ably supported by fervent backing vocals. A versatile, wicked tune. 4 Kids- Perhaps the biggest number that FIFA.

4. Kids – MGMT

Perhaps the biggest number that FIFA have captured in the last 10 years, an incredible effort by MGMT from the strained and tragic lyrics to the thumping beat which bookends this effervescent track.

(Official content included for creative licence, please head over to YouTube website to listen)

5. Untouched- The Veronicas

Lit up FIFA with this banger. Excitement and dynamism is rife with short and punchy staccato violin pieces mixing with a hypnotising drum beat.

6. Mark IV- Ashtar Command featuring Joshua Radin

An unknown and rather unappreciated number, Mark IV mixes electronica sublimely with lush instrumentation to produce a song that is both easy listening and pleasingly introspective.

7. Odessa- Caribou

You wouldn’t be surprised to hear this song blasting out of the speakers of a group of lads on the way to a messy night out, it has a decidedly cool yet collected vibe with the soft vocals contrasting against a subtle rattling sound to great effect.

8. Club Foot- Kasabian

Truly one to pump up the pregame atmosphere, Kasabian let off a volley of unstoppable riffs which are well supported by desperate, energetic vocals, completing the perfect song for you to inspire your plucky 3-star team to victory.

9. Black and Gold- Sam Sparro

An instant classic from the opening moans into a moody pre-chorus. A commercial smash-hit and a great one to listen to throughout, Sparro pushes the intensity of the song throughout to levels that seem inconceivable.

“a TYPICALLY STRONG PERFORMANCE FROM THE POETIC MANCUNIAN”

10. Irish Blood, English Heart – Morrisey

Morrissey toys with his Irish heritage excellently in this surprising addition to the list. Taken from the stonking comeback of an album ‘You Are The Quarry’, this number thrills the more aged taste in music and is a typically strong performance from the poetic Mancunian.

11. Wonder – Dan Black’s

This melancholy electronic tune has aged well over the years, somewhat of a one hit wonder but good nonetheless.

12. Finale – Archetypal

FIFA electronica. This stands head and shoulders over the usual drop filled song due to the insatiable build up during the first third of the song.

13. Latino and Proud – DJ Raff

A feel-good piece of buoyant latino rap which pushes all the right buttons, unique and deserving of its place high on the list.

14. We come Running – Youngblood Hawke

Maybe lacks variety for the higher spots, a good song nonetheless, this effort from Youngbloode Hawke is a stellar attempt and fuses an electronic intro with an eye-catching chorus. A more effective bridge would have cemented this in the top 10.

(Official content included for creative licence, please head over to YouTube website to listen)

15. Myxomatosis- Radiohead

A surprising arena for Radiohead, a perfectly good song from the superb ‘ Hail to Thief’, however the heavy political themes of the album are too subtle within this particular track for the average listener to glean anything significant. A pleasant addition to FIFA … regardless

16. Bliss Out- Hadouken!

Probably the most gym-esque tune in the list, a polished performance by Hadouken mixes dubstep and aggressive vocals to impassioned results.

17. Panda- Astro

Sonically strong, atmospheric laser-like noises pierce through this song and set the tone. Mediocre vocals and lyrics but the song is still notable

18. Hits me Like a Rock- CCS

Blaring in at last place this song has pleasing female vocals that set up the chorus, a simple catchy tune which doesn’t offer anything revolutionary but does its job.

The most significant transfer this summer? The transfer of domineering power to Europe’s elite few

D espite previous incarnations of the all-consuming circus that is football’s summer Transfer Window, it is not unreasonable to suggest that this summer saw the most emphatic new developments in its recent history: £1.4bn spent by Premier League clubs; last year’s transfer record broken twice, and a dismantling of established norms. This recent window will be remembered as a significant departure from those proceeding it, which serves to worry as well as enthral.

The amounts of money being spent, already in stratospheric realms, has reached almost unsavoury amounts – even for football. Paris Saint-Germain, backed by the financial juggernaut Oryx Qatar Sports Investments, are the most obvious offenders in this respect. They paid the €222 million release clause to sign Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona, obliterating the previous €105m record Manchester United paid for Paul Pogba. They then signed teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe from Monaco on ‘loan’ with a £166m buy option at the end of the season, making a mockery of Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations. PSG’s expenditure represented a surging financial tide to lift all boats – nowhere was this more evident than the huge fees paid by Premier League clubs to sign somewhat ordinary players. Manchester City spent £133m on three fullbacks, including £26m on their proposed backup Danilo.

“true valutations seems completely obselete”

Away from the top sides, each with huge financial backing from commercial revenues and overseas owners, even the middling Premier League sides joined in with the chaos. Brighton, Bournemouth, Burnley, Everton, Huddersfield and Watford all broke their single-player transfer records for money that, five years ago, would have been adequate to buy players from the fringes of Europe’s best squads. True valuations of these players now seem completely obsolete. The huge sums of money in the Premier League is not so much of a problem in isolation, but worrying when considering its effect on the behaviour of other clubs in Europe.

Neymar’s departure meant Barcelona had to find a replacement; those in possession of Europe’s elite band of footballers immediately saw the huge fee they had received for Neymar, and adjusted their asking prices accordingly. 20-year-old Ousmane Dembélé, after an impressive season at Borussia Dortmund, moved to Barcelona for £94.5m, an extortionate sum for an exciting prospect with only one season of top-flight footballing experience. Though pessimistic, it is not unreasonable to conclude that Dortmund ramped up his asking price beyond any sensible realms because they knew Barcelona’s need for a replacement, and the amount of money they had just earned from Neymar’s sale.

Clubs inflating their prices were only part of their new role in this summer’s window; a more interesting aspect of their behaviour was their unwavering power over their players. Clubs ranging in stature and financial power, from Southampton to Liverpool to Arsenal, withstood bids for their top players from other Premier League clubs. These in-demand players: Virgil Van Dyke, Phillipe Coutinho and Alexis Sanchez respectively, all made it clear of their desire to leave. Clubs came in with substantial offers for them but their clubs stood firm. Barcelona, before finalising the Dembélé deal, offered more than £116m for Coutinho. Liverpool could have taken that money and reinforced the weaker areas of their squad, particularly in their defence, but instead held firm – rightly or wrongly. Players’ influence over their transfer activity only extended so far, and this looks to continue with the next round of negotiations for the Premier League’s TV rights deal imminent. Clubs will further benefit from these revenues and, when other clubs come looking for their top players who themselves want to move, they will not have to succumb to money’s power and the security it apparently.

“THE BEST YOUNG TALENTS ARE REINFORCING AN EXISTING TREND”

However, the imperious power of Premier League clubs did not extend entirely across Europe. Some of Europe’s top players were linked with English clubs over the summer, but instead signed with others in Europe’s elite. Manchester City missed out on Youri Tielemans (moving to Monaco) and Dani Alves (to PSG); and rumours did not materialise into transfers for Chelsea’s enquiries about James Rodríguez (loaned to Bayern Munich) and Leonardo Bonucci (to AC Milan). Combined with the dominance of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and Bayern in the Champions League, this looks like a worrying trend for the Premier League. Continually marketing itself as the world’s best league, England’s top flight can no longer claim this definitively. The competitiveness and entertainment eclipse any, but the quality of the Bundesliga and La Liga look more impressive. Some of the best young talent in Europe are choosing to reinforce an existing trend: only 5 of FIFA’s 2017 shortlist of the World’s best 24 footballers play in the Premier League.

If this progression continues, guessing how next summer’s Transfer Window will go looks an impossible task. Gone are the days of players, and the transfer fees their clubs demand, solely dictating where they move to. Clubs’ financial power has become so huge that they are no longer subject to the demands of either their disgruntled players or the other clubs looking to sign them. This, combined with the ostentatious fees being paid for even the most ordinary of players, looks set to remain for the near future. This should worry clubs all over the football landscape, as well as the fans that partly fund, and yet do not benefit greatly from the chaos.

GB Olympic Football? No thanks

It’s summer, it’s a leap year, and that can only mean one thing: the Olympics are right around the corner. The Olympics are a time when people take a look at sports they never normally would give a second thought to – suddenly, everyone is an expert at the triple jump, archery or gymnastics. To the athletes competing in these sports, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of their career, providing them with a stage in front of the world that no other event could match.

The approaching of any Olympic Games also signals the start of something else: the attempt of the Football Association and British Olympic Association to revive the idea that there ought to be a ‘Team GB’ football team participating at the Olympics. What is incredible is that this ridiculous idea hasn’t been put to bed yet.

Thrilling encounters such as Honduras U23 v Morocco U23 take centre stage at the Olympics. Image: wikimedia.org

When we look at the men’s Olympic football competition, it’s quite easy to see that it is nothing more than a hyped-up youth tournament. With the exception of three permitted over age players per squad, it’s a competition between U23 teams. This isn’t some quirk of Olympic rules to maintain some sense of nostalgia and amatuerism, it’s a deliberate design by the footballing authorities to keep the Olympics from ever becoming a serious competitor to the true showpiece event of global football: the FIFA World Cup. When we think about what might have to be given up in order to attain an Olympic team, we really do have to remember that, in the men’s competition at least, the tournament is clearly a second-rate one.

A unified GB team would be an artificial creation in the world of football, detached from the history that has been embedded into fans from their first glimpse at the game

And we certainly do have to think about what may have to be given up, because it turns out to be something that matters an awful lot to an awfully large number of people: our footballing independence.

England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have always had their own distinct football identities, and they all have their own stories of greatness from over the years. They are diverse, from England’s 1966 triumph to tales of Wales punching above their weight in Sweden and more recently France, yet they all have one thing in common: none of the stories are about triumphs under the banner of a ‘British’ team. No unified team for the UK has ever competed at a World Cup or European Championship. A unified GB team would be an artificial creation in the world of football, detached from the history that has been embedded into fans from their first glimpse at the game.

During his reign, Blatter promised our continued independence, but the executive arm of FIFA doesn't have the power to guarantee that. Image: wikimedia.org — During his reign, Blatter promised our continued independence, but the executive arm of FIFA doesn’t have the power to guarantee that. Image: wikimedia.org

Still, to this I hear cries of “it’ll only be for the Olympics!” This is an intriguing point, because there’s absolutely no evidence to support the fact that this will be the case. Those who pointed to Sepp Blatter’s assurances are a funny bunch, because they were also the first to accuse him of corruption. If rhetoric alone from authority can always be taken at face value, perhaps we should question those in the FA and BOA who described London 2012 as a “one-off” and why the BOA declared it had secured an “historic agreement” that simply never existed. Furthermore, any statement from a FIFA President on this topic doesn’t really carry any weight, for it is FIFA’s Congress, not its executive, that carries the responsibility for suspending members. FIFA’s Congress has, historically, displayed some scepticism at the arrangement of the Home Nations, and to a degree they are right in doing so. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each possess disproportionate power in FIFA – a guaranteed Vice Presidency, plus a vote each on the IFAB (which controls the Laws of the Game) whilst the rest of FIFA are limited to 4 between them – and so any display of playing together likely will raise questions amongst the masses of other FIFA members: why is it ok for them to play together when it suits them, yet they still remain separate in internal FIFA politics?

Sure, there may be some benefits to playing in the Olympics, such as in the women’s game. The women’s Olympic football tournament is held in much higher regard than the equivalent male tournament, and it could act as a catalyst and inspiration to girls to engage more in sport. Yet, despite claims that the women’s game is free from the politics that are found in the men’s, it is fairly apparent that this would not be the case, for both genders ultimately answer to FIFA. When FIFA admits members, it doesn’t say “Gibraltar can play in the men’s game, but we think that your women would be better off representing Spain”. Both sides have to act in tandem, or Pandora’s box is still opened regardless.

There seems to be a view that Britain is purely ‘England plus a few others’, and until that idea is dispelled they will always attract resentment from the ‘others’

We have to consider that, whilst there could be a benefit from giving women’s football such a big stage, we also risk taking away opportunity from many women (as well as men) in the international game if we risk being amalgamated by the global authorities. Around three-quarters of those who currently get the chance to represent their country in some way, be it at a senior level or at U17, simply will not be able to do so if there is only one team for all four nations. Whilst handing the very best the opportunity to go to heights greater than ever before, we also snatch away at the chances of those that are slightly lower down.

Further, the whole incident simply reeks of a form of English arrogance. It is intriguing that the Football Association are considered to be in charge of football as far as the BOA are concerned, and this is reflected in the way that they ultimately brushed aside the legitimate concerns of the other associations for London 2012. Ironic is one word to describe this, as key concepts of the Olympic movement such as inclusivity were swept aside to allow a vanity project by an organisation that doesn’t represent anyone outside of the space between Southampton and Newcastle to go ahead. On the topic of women’s football, perhaps we just need to look at the headlines from when it was clear that GB wouldn’t compete, despite England having been in a position to qualify. A quick search turns up “Why England’s women’s soccer team won’t be playing at the 2016 Olympics“, “Anger as Lionesses denied chance to play for team GB“, and references to “Sampson’s side [being] denied the opportunity to build on their momentum in Rio“. What is the common denominator here? All of them take a purely England-centric view. There seems to be a view that Britain is purely ‘England plus a few others’, and until that idea is dispelled they will always attract resentment from the ‘others’. I can’t say that I am in any way disappointed that I have some degree of certainty about the future of my nation’s footballing status instead of being able to watch the English women’s football team catch Zika in Brazil.

Perhaps it’s time that the British Olympic Association takes a look at itself. Rejected by FSF representatives from all four nations, rejected by three of the four home associations, and ultimately rejected by FIFA for their failure to gain popular support, their idea of a Team GB football team currently lies in tatters. It’s time that they finally gave up on this exercise in selling merchandise under the guise of a type of patriotism that is alien to the sport, and in doing so stopped sowing the seeds of division between the four FAs.

VfL Wolfsburg sign 22-year-old Pro-Gamer

Have you ever played a video game and attempted to insert yourself into that world? Perhaps you envision yourself as a brave, no-nonsense soldier taking on enemy militia in a Call of Duty game, or you’re a super-soldier-spy fighting to save the world in the Metal Gear Solid franchise. Well, for one 22-year-old, this dream has become a reality.

David Bytheway, a professional FIFA-player from Wolves, has just been signed by the Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg, in a potentially revolutionary move that sees the virtual world combine with the real sport. Of course, Mr Bytheway will not be taking to the pitch alongside footballing stars like Draxler, Schurrle, and Bendtner – instead he will be officially representing Wolfsburg at eSports tournaments worldwide, wearing the licensed kit in all competitions.

“He will be officially representing Wolfsburg at eSports tournaments worldwide”

In an interview with BBC Newsbeat Mr Bytheway stated that “It’s absolutely massive for me, the fact that a team like Wolfsburg have gotten involved with gaming”. Adding that he believes British clubs will soon follow suit, he hopes that the Premier League will get involved in “less than a year”.

Sequel-ation: Assassin’s Creed

In the first article of this column, I claimed that games were not necessarily limited just because they were sequels. However, not all sequels are necessarily good games. In order to make a great sequel you need to expand upon the original as well as taking the series in new and exciting directions that make sense. Series such as FIFA or Call of Duty do not do this; instead opting for annual release cycles that produces basically the same game every year.

The idea that you can never have too much of a good thing does not hold up; you need to shake things up every once in a while. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than with Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series. This too, has fallen prey to the dreaded annual release. With each new entry being only slightly different to the previous, the series is becoming uninspired and boring. From the 2007 original to the recently released Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, the premise for the games has remained basically the same. Through a combination of stealth, open world and RPG mechanics, the games focus on the ongoing conflict between two ancient societies: the Assassins and the Templar Order. Through a device known as the animus, the player can experience the memories of Assassins of the past to discover secrets of history and gain the upper hand. This is the idea behind every game; players enter the animus and experiences the memories of a member of the Assassins that lived centuries in the past, thus getting the chance to experience a specific historical period.

Despite the series’ monotony, there’s never been a terrible Assassin’s Creed game. Even flawed entries such as Assassin’s Creed III and can’t really be considered “bad”. However, we’ve gotten a new Assassin’s Creed game every year now since 2009 and quite frankly the strain is showing. In order to improve the quality of the games, Ubisoft need to take time to develop their games, releasing them not annually, but every 3-5 years. Its fine for sequels to share the DNA of other games in a series, but Assassin’s Creed has taken this to an extreme. Not only does each game have the same basic structure, but also fundamental issues such as sticky controls or pointlessly large game worlds continue to be ignored by Ubisoft.

The best games in the series have introduced new mechanics which make the entire experience feel new and fresh. Take 2009’s Assassin’s Creed II for example; The Italian Renaissance was a vastly more vibrant setting than that of the original and the inclusion of famous historical figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli really drive home the level of immersion. Also, in starting the game as a naïve young adult and growing over the course of the game into a Master Assassin, the protagonist of Ezio was charming, funny, and ultimately an improvement. Whereas in the original, there was little personal motivation for Altaïr to assassinate his targets, in Assassin’s Creed II, Ezio is seen to experience a deep personal loss early on which plays a massive part in later events.

2013’s Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag also stands out. Sailing across the vast expanses of the Caribbean, visiting gorgeous tropical islands and plundering and pillaging as you see fit, were all experience unknown to the series prior. Additionally, Edward Kenway, the pirate protagonist, was a breath of fresh air. Over the course of the game, Edward is transformed from cutthroat pirate into skilled Assassin and loving father. In my opinion, Black Flag has the most satisfying conclusion to any game in the series and serves as a stark reminder that Assassin’s Creed doesn’t always have to play it safe.

Ultimately, Ubisoft need a break. Given that each Assassin’s Creed game roughly has about two years of development time and are as functional as they are already, can you imagine what another two years might do to the quality? With Assassin’s Creed Syndicate being deemed the first modern Assassin’s Creed, I would love to see the series take a break and then come back with an entry that embraces 20th century history. A game that is set around the events of the Russian Revolution of 1917 would be very well received for instance. This period in history is one that truly fits the struggle of the underdog Assassins, in the form of the Russian peasantry, pitted against the totalitarian Templars, in the form of both the communists and the royals. Also the potential for historical figures you could meet such as Trotsky, Tsar Nicholas II and Stalin alone is enough to get excited about.

Ultimately, Ubisoft need a break.

Also, ever since Assassin’s Creed sequels have been a thing, people have been wanting a World War 2 based entry, so a 20^th century Assassin’s Creed which starts with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and then covers both subsequent World Wars may return the series to its former glory. Perhaps, building on Syndicate’s two protagonists, the game could follow multiple protagonists, across various countries as the world is exposed to the most destructive and tragic conflicts ever.

I’ve never had a bad experience with an Assassin’s Creed game, just some underwhelming ones. The more recent games in the series feel like they have been put out there just to meet deadlines. I can understand Call of Duty sequels being released every year. They’re testosterone fueled, flashy, six-hour action movies with the same multiplayer experience tacked on for good measure. But historical epics like Assassin’s Creed deserve more time to be crafted and polished. Hopefully that’s what we’ll get in the future. I’m sure if Ubisoft actually try, we’re bound to get something good.

Featured Image Credit: BagoGames on Flickr