World Football

Former World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly and former professional player Pat Nevin join Mani Djazmi to discuss FIFA - football's world governing body decision to have a 48 team men's World Cup which will have 104 matches and spread across six weeks. Guinea is a country that has never qualified for the World Cup and Mani speaks to their goalkeeper Aly Keita who is in favour of expanding the competition. The team also discuss the ongoing disagreement between United States coach Greg Berhalter and former teammate Claudio Reyna. Berhalter was cleared by an legal investigation into an incident of domestic violence 30 years ago. The incident from 1992 was brought to light by former USA players Claudio and Danielle Reyna who are parents of one of the USA's current players, Geo. They've been friends with the Berhalters for decades but were unhappy about the lack of playing time. The report also revealed new facts about Claudio Reyna whom, it says, was uncooperative and a pushy parent.Plus have a panel accidentally started a riot? That's after a title-deciding match between Al-Ahed and Al-Ansar couldn't finish after a goal scored in injury-time by Ahed's Scottish striker Lee Erwin sparked a riot by Ansar fans who set seats on fire and threw them onto the pitch forcing the refereeing officials to run for cover.We'll also hear a special guest!

Mani Djazmi is joined by Pat Nevin and Heather O’Reilly for the latest episode of World Football. We speak to President of the Norwegian Football Federation, Lise Klaveness, about her ambitions to join UEFA and the importance of having female leaders in football.And new Major League Soccer club St Louis City have started with two wins from two in the Western Conference - their sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel tells us how excited the city of St Louis is about their journey.Photo: Norway Football Federation president Lise Klaveness talks during the 72nd FIFA Congress on March 31, 2022 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center in Doha, Qatar. (Credit: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Turkish football writer Bora Isyar tells us about the resumption of the Turkish Süper Lig and the reaction of Besiktas fans, who threw toys onto the pitch in protest against the government’s handling of the earthquakes’ aftermath. After the racist abuse of David Alaba for not voting for Karim Benzema in FIFA’s awards, and Pepe’s refusal to vote for Lionel Messi, we ask if players should have a say in awards. And we discuss the return to football of Jurgen Klinsmann.Photo: Teddy bears and toys thrown on the field to be sent to the earthquake zone of the Vodafone Park Stadium prior to the Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Besiktas and Fraport TAV Antalyaspor, in Istanbul, Turkiye on February 26, 2023. (Credit: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Haiti's Chelsea Supris celebrates reaching the World Cup for the very first time in the country's history. And as football resumes in Turkey following the devastating earthquakes, the Gambian international Lamin Jallow finds himself searching for a new club after his team withdrew from the league.Picture on website: Haiti's Roselord Borgella celebrates during their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Playoff game against Chile. (Photo by Luis Veniegra/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Papua New Guinea captain Rayleen Bauelua looks ahead to the World Cup qualification play-offs.Picture on website: Papua New Guinea women's soccer team line up before a friendly game against the Philippines. (Photo by Luis Veniegra/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Hatayspor defender Kamil Çörekçi provides an eyewitness account of the earthquake which has killed thousands in Turkey and Syria. He tells us how he and his family survived and how he is still haunted by the traumatic experience, unable to sleep. He says he’s feeling lucky, but also guilty to have survived.Picture on website: An aerial view shows destroyed buildings after a deadly earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)

AC Monza captain Matteo Pessina reflects on a successful week, beating Juventus and passing an economics exam. And we speak to Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris as they prepare to become the first MLS team to play in the FIFA Club World Cup.Picture on website: AC Monza's Matteo Pessina celebrates after beating Juventus. (Claudio Benedetto/LiveMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Pays de Cassel player Ayrance Leganase looks back on his team's 7-nil loss to PSG in the Coupe de France. Having once been told he might need to have his left foot amputated, he got to share the pitch with Neymar and Mbappe. We also hear from Darvel's hero Jordan Kirkpatrick following their shock win over Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup.Picture on website: Neymar Jr has a laugh with opponent Nicolas Bruneel during the round of 16 French Cup match between Pays de Cassel and Paris Saint-Germain. (Glenn Gervot/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Former Cameroon player Patrick Suffo and agent Paulo Teixeira discuss the issue of age fraud in football. Plus, Pat Nevin gives his views on the latest decisions made by football's law makers IFAB. Presented by Mani Djazmi.Picture on website: a supporter of Cameroon holds the national flag. (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)

We pay tribute to the former Italy, Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea player Gianluca Vialli who sadly died last week. Plus, we meet Palestinian refugee Heba Saadia who's been selected as one of the Assistant Referees at this year's Women's World Cup. She grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus but since the Syrian civil war started, has moved around the world with her family. No Palestinian has ever reached this level in football before.Picture on website: Gianluca Vialli greets supporters after Italy won Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

In the second part of our interview with Roy Hodgson, he reflects on troubled times at Liverpool and England. He also talks about retirement, the role of luck in football. and the joy of ending his career by going full circle and returning to Crystal Palace. This has been re-uploaded after the original programme was replaced by a tribute to Pele.

Brazilian journalist Ricardo Setyon reflects on Pele's funeral. The former USA international Heather O'Reilly gives her view on a shocking story involving the coach of the USA men's team. And we speak to the former Kenyan international Martin Imbalambala who went blind overnight.Picture on website: Pelé jerseys on display at Vila Belmiro Stadium. (Leandro Bernardes/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Friends and former team-mates pay their respects to Pele. The former Brazil and Santos player Rildo tells us how Pele halted the Nigerian civil war, and the former New York Cosmos defender Werner Roth shares a story involving Pele, a baby shark and a bathtub. We also hear from Brazilian journalist Ricardo Setyon.Picture on website: Pele in action during World Cup 1970 in a game against Czechoslovakia. (Photo by Monte Fresco/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)

The former Inter Milan, Liverpool and England coach Roy Hodgson remembers his early career.In the first of two special programmes he recalls playing in South Africa during the Apartheid era, revolutionising the game in Sweden, finding success with the Swiss national team, and getting a dream move to Italy's Serie A.Picture on website: Roy Hodgson applauds the fans after a match between Crystal Palace and Watford. (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

Argentine journalist Francisco Canepa, and delirious Argentina fans, reflect on an incredible World Cup final.We also hear from Ambet Yuson, General-Secretary of Building and Woodworkers International, who since 2016 has been working with FIFA and Qatar's Supreme Committee. He makes a heartfelt plea to football fans and players not to forget the migrant workers.Plus, fans from various countries reflect on their experiences in Qatar.

Will Lionel Messi finally lift the World Cup trophy? We look ahead to France v Argentina and hear from Messi's former team-mate Pablo Zabaleta. Mani Djazmi and Pat Nevin are joined by L'Equipe journalist Loïc Tanzi and Argentinean broadcaster Francisco Cánepa ahead of the final. And, as a bonus for podcast listeners, World Cup winner Cesc Fabregas explains what it was like to get his hands on the most famous trophy in football.Picture on website: Pyrotechnics explode around a giant FIFA World Cup trophy prior to the semi final match between France and Morocco. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Mani Djazmi is joined by Argentine journalist Marcela Mora y Araujo and Moroccan Amine El Amri to preview the World Cup semi-finals: Argentina v Croatia and Morocco v France.We hear from Moroccan fans in Doha after they knocked out Portugal and discuss whether the post-colonial relationship will give the players extra incentive against the French.We head inside the Croatia camp to get the lowdown on the brilliant midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.And we hear from former Croatia player and coach Igor Stimac, who says Croatia’s spirit and character was forged during the Balkan wars of the 1990s.

We look ahead to the quarter finals of Qatar 2022 focusing on Argentina and Morocco. We also go behind the scenes at the Netherlands training camp and get an insight into Dutch winger Cody Gakpo from his former coach Luc Nilis.(Photo: Morocco supporters celebrate in the streets in Doha. Credit: Andrej Isakovic/AFP/Getty Images)

Morocco fans celebrate after their team made history by beating Spain. And we visit a specially created fan fest for migrant workers in a cricket ground on the edge of Doha.

We hear from Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima and former Swiss player Johan Djourou, plus some happy French fans after their team booked a place in the quarter-finals.

Ghana fans find comfort in defeat as Uruguay, and their arch-nemesis Luis Suarez, also go home. Meanwhile Australian fans look ahead to the Argentina match, and we hear from former Socceroo Luke Wilkshire who was in the Australia team that reached the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup.

Argentina's Pablo Zabaleta reflects on his team's performances so far and looks ahead to their round of 16 match against Australia. We also explore the troubles between Serbia and Switzerland ahead of their crucial group match.Picture on website: Argentina fans react during the FIFA World Cup match against Poland (David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Iranian fans and USA journalist Sam Stejskal look ahead to the crucial and politically charged group match between their teams. And we hear from the delighted fans of Ghana and Brazil following victories on Monday.

Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba tells us his blueprint for African football. We head to the Ghana team hotel to hear from technical advisor Chris Hughton. Morocco and Costa Rica fans party in Doha, while Germany live to fight another day. And meet the Argentina fans who cycled from Cape Town to Doha in the hope of seeing Lionel Messi lift the World Cup.

Jurgen Klinsmann talks to Mani Djazmi ahead of Germany's must-win World Cup game against Spain.The former striker and World Cup winner says a second successive group stage exit would be a "disaster" and "almost unforgivable".

We hear from Iranian fans as they beat Wales to keep their hopes of World Cup progress alive. Ahmed Hashim, editor of Qatar Football Live, reflects on the host nation’s early exit from the World Cup. Find out why Qatar has become a second home to thousands of Tunisians, plus an interview with former Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Mani Djazmi and Pat Nevin are joined by former Cameroon international Sébastien Bassong. There are reflections on Japan's shock win over Germany. And ahead of their match against England, we hear from USA midfielder Yunus Musah.(Picture on website: Supporters of Cameroon during their World Cup match against Switzerland (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia fans dance in Doha after beating Argentina, and Cesc Fàbregas discusses Spain’s chances. We also hear from Ghana's Tariq Lamptey, and former Canada goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé tells us more about Canada's coach John Herdman.

John Bennett goes behind the scenes of the World Cup, as Qatar 2022 kicks off. We hear from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, USA midfielder Kellyn Acosta and lots of very happy Ecuadorian fans. We also speak to Iran football supporters in Qatar about the anti-government protests back home.

Presenter Mani Djazmi is in Qatar as the build-up to the World Cup intensifies. He's joined by World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly, former Scotland player Pat Nevin and Qatar based journalist Ahmed Hashmi. We also hear from Ecuador winger Jeremy Sarmiento who'll be hoping to feature in the tournament's opening game. And USA international Tim Weah tells us what playing in the World Cup means for him and his family, including his famous father...George Weah.Picture on website: People gather at the Corniche Waterfront Promenade in Doha, Qatar, to take photographs ahead of the FIFA World Cup (Credit: Martin Divíšek/EFA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Australia's Joel King relives the moment he found out he'd been picked for the World Cup. And we hear from James Chamanga, the 42 year old striker from Zambia who's still banging in the goals.Picture on website: Joel King of the Socceroos in action against Japan. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Cesc Fàbregas joins us from Como to discuss the joy of playing in Italy's Serie B. He reflects on last season at Monaco, which he describes as the worst year of his life, and explains the project at Como 1907 having also become a part-owner of the club.Picture on website: Cesc Fabregas of Como holds his head in his hands during the Serie B match against Brescia. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Brighton's Deniz Undav talks about his challenging journey to the English Premier League. And Glasgow City's CEO Laura Montgomery discusses the changes in women's football in Scotland.Picture on website: Deniz Undav of Brighton & Hove Albion reacts to the referee during a match against Forest Green Rovers (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

Montréal and Canada midfielder Samuel Piette discusses how he's having fun for club and country this year. And we reflect on changing times at River Plate as legendary coach Marcelo Gallardo says goodbye.Picture on website: CF Montréal midfielder Samuel Piette celebrates a goal against Toronto FC (David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The German Bundesliga's top scorer Niclas Füllkrug talks about the possibility of being selected for Qatar 2022. Plus, we hear about the Turkish Amputee football team, after they won the Amputee World Cup.Picture on website: Niclas Fullkrug of Werder Bremen celebrates after scoring against Hoffenheim (Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images).

Former Indonesia international Raphael Maitimo and eye witness Aditya Wahyu Pratama reflect on the stadium disaster in Malang which killed over 125 people. And we hear from Algerian international Adlene Guedioura about the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup.Picture of website: Football supporters hold a candlelight vigil for victims of a stampede at Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang (Photo by JUNI KRISWANTO/AFP via Getty Images).

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz looks ahead to the World Cup and discusses his return to the Iranian national team.

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz looks ahead to the World Cup and we hear from Union Berlin goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow.Picture on website: Carlos Queiroz the head coach of Iran during the match between Iran and Uruguay in Austria. (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Monza striker Christian Gytkjaer relives his match winning goal against Juventus. We also hear from the San Diego Wave coach Casey Stoney following a record breaking match against Angel City.Picture on website: Christian Gytkjaer of AC Monza celebrates with team mate Matteo Pessina after scoring against Juventus (Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images).

Mani Djzami is joined by former World Cup winner Heather O’Reilly and former South Africa captain Dean Furman on the latest edition. Dean talks about his playing career and his current club: Warrington Rylands 1906, who are in the Northern Premier League, the 7th level of English football. The club have had an interesting week as the whole of the backroom staff resigned. Plus, we’ll hear from Philippe Senderos, the current sporting director of Swiss side on Servette on their impressive start to the season and when he met the Queen at Buckingham Palace.(Credit: Getty Images, Picture: Philippe Senderos)

Brazilian football journalist Ricardo Setyon joins us to reflect on the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, which saw wins for Athletico Paranaense and Flamengo set up an all-Brazilian final for the third year in a row. And we hear from Reading striker Natasha Dowie ahead of the new Women’s Super League season.Flamengo's Brazilian forward Pedro celebrates after scoring against Velez Sarsfield during the Copa Libertadores second leg semifinal football match between Flamengo and Velez Sarsfield, at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 7, 2022. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP) (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Former São Paulo executive director Alexandre Passaro discusses Manchester United's new signing Antony and gives an insight into the Brazilian winger's character. And history has been made in Iran because for the first time in 41 years, women were allowed into a stadium to watch a league match. We hear from one of those female Esteghlal fans, Maryam.Picture of website:

Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin discusses the return of the Ukrainian Premier League. And the former USA international Heather O'Reilly reflects on her UEFA Champions League adventure with Shelbourne.Picture on website: Heather O'Reilly of Shelbourne gets ready for a match in Sligo. (Photo By Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Shakhtar Donetsk's Director of Football, Darijo Srna, discusses the return of the Ukrainian Premier League, with matches to be played in Ukraine. And we're joined by the former Afghanistan women's coach, and current head of performance at Lewes FC, Kelly Lindsey.Picture on website: The players of the Shakhtar Donetsk lined up during the Ukrainian national anthem ahead of a friendly match against AS Roma (Photo by Fabrizio Corradetti/LiveMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Ahead of the new Spanish football season we hear from RCD Mallorca President Andy Kohlberg and Celta de Vigo's Luca de la Torre. Plus, Spanish broadcaster Alvaro Romeo assesses the current financial situation at Barcelona and the club's short term approach.Picture on website: Abdon Prats of RCD Mallorca celebrates following a match against Osasuna. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

FC Köln's Kristian Pedersen looks ahead to the new season. After just missing out on promotion with Union Berlin, and an unsuccessful trial with Borussia Monchengladbach, he is finally fulfilling a long-held ambition to play in the Bundesliga. And the former Canada goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé talks about the comedown following major tournaments. She suffered from panic attacks and anxiety after winning bronze at the Olympics.Picture of website: FC Köln players look on, during a match against SSV Jahn Regensburg. (Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

World Cup winner, three-time Olympic gold medallist and World Football co-host Heather O’Reilly tells us how she’s coming out of retirement in order to play in the UEFA Women's Champions League for the Irish side, Shelbourne.With Germany facing England in the final of Euro 2022 at Wembley, Line Roddik Hansen tells us what it is like to play against the host nation in the final of a major tournament. She was part of the Denmark squad, who were beaten 4-2 in the final of Euro 2017 by the Netherlands.And – former Sweden goalkeeper Caroline Jonsson, who is now a board member at the global players' union FIFPRO, tells us about the legacy that could follow from Euro 2022.Heather O'Reilly #17 of the North Carolina Courage celebrates winning the NWSL Shield during a game between Sky Blue FC and North Carolina Courage at WakeMed Soccer Park on October 12, 2019 in Cary, North Carolina. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images).

Dutch defender Dominique Janssen looks ahead to her Euro 2022 quarter-final and reflects on the tournament. We also hear from South Africa's Thalea Smidt ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations final.Picture on website: Fans of Iceland during the Group D UEFA Women's EURO 2022 match against France (Photo by Joris Verwijst/Orange Pictures/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

The former Norway international Solveig Gulbrandsen reflects on an 8-nil loss for her country. Finland midfielder Emma Koivisto shares her experiences of Euro 2022. And the D.C. United captain Steven Birnbaum reacts to the return of his good friend, Wayne Rooney, as coach.Picture on website: Beth Mead of England celebrates scoring against Austria during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 (Photo by Thor Wegner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Hear the full interview with Ghana coach Otto Addo as he looks ahead to the World Cup. He’s actually a man with two jobs, because he’s also the Talent Development Trainer at Borussia Dortmund. Addo discusses Ghana’s strategy of persuading European born players to switch nationalities. He also talks about his relationship with Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham at Dortmund.