What makes modern football political? And what is the role of football in civil society? In this episode co-hosts Guy and Francesco speak to Cas Mudde, political scientist, football fan and enthusiastic groundhopper. Cas points to various developments taking place in modern football, from stadia as political arenas for both fans and the authorities around them, whether footballing or government. He notes the presence of illiberal regimes, including the growth of surveillance in and around grounds to footballing authorities' embrace of intolerant governments as well as the efforts made by fans to push back.

Cas also touches on his own experience as a podcaster and the insights he has gained from speaking to different voices in the football community as well as his undergraduate "Soccer and Politics" course, which he teaches at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Cas's RADIKAAL podcast episodes can be found here. Cas's Guardian op-ed that he mentions in the episode is available here.