Share
The Athletic FC Podcast
UEFA v FIFA & the battle for club football’s future
•
Welcome to The Future of Football, a special three part series asking the biggest questions shaping the game from the impact of the Club World Cup to whether anyone can keep up with the Premier League. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, which direction is the power, the politics and money around the game heading?
The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Crafton join host Adam Leventhal for episode one to discuss the direction of travel for club football.
We also hear from Maheta Molango, the CEO of the PFA English player’s union, on governance and burn-out, plus we’ll get the take of Ronan Evain, the executive director of Football Supporters Europe, on the contentious issue of playing domestic games abroad.
Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Matt Slater, Adam Crafton, Maheta Molango, Ronan Evain
Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi Paterson
Producers: Jay Beale, Guy Clarke, Paul Iliffe
More episodes
View all episodes
How do Palace build on Glasner's legacy?
35:06|A year after winning the FA Cup - Crystal Palace have yet more silverware!Oliver Glasner’s parting gift was to deliver the Conference League.So, what comes next for Palace?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Matt Woosnam and Dom FifieldExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Paul Iliffe
Where next for Iraola?
35:38|After ending the season 18 games unbeaten, Andoni Iraola leaves Bournemouth with Europa League football to come.But without a job lined up, has he left the Cherries too soon?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Jon Mackenzie & Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale & Nick ThomsonVideographer: Grayson MoodyWill Champions League save Slot at Liverpool?
38:20|Liverpool will play Champions League football next seasonDespite finishing closer in points to the relegation zone - than champions Arsenal!So, is that enough for Arne Slot to keep his job at Anfield?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: James Pearce and James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale & Nick ThomsonVideographer: Grayson Moody
How much will relegation cost West Ham?
39:51|West Ham have been relegated from the Premier League just three years after winning the Europa Conference League.But just how costly will the drop be for the Hammers?Meanwhile, Spurs survived on the final day, so how do they avoid another worrying season next time around?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Roshane Thomas, Matt Slater and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Paul Iliffe
The Athletic's 2025/26 season awards
01:01:14|Welcome to The Athletic’s end-of-season awards, for the 2025/26 season. A time to celebrate the best of the best across the Premier League, WSL and Europe.The Athletic's Data & Tactic’s Editor Duncan Alexander, Women’s Football Writer Megan Feringa & Football Writer Tim Spiers join Adam Leventhal to name our Player, Young Player, Manager and team of the season in our respective categories.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Duncan Alexander, Megan Feringa, Tim SpiersExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay BealeVideographer: Rachael Tinde
Spurs or West Ham's relegation fate + England squad reaction
58:44|Who will beat the drop - Spurs or West Ham? Spurs need a draw against Everton to confirm safety, while West Ham must beat Leeds at the London Stadium.And elsewhere, Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup has been announced. Who has been left off the plane?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Jay Harris & Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John RogersHow Spygate cost Southampton Premier League football
32:09|Southampton have been expelled from the Championship Play-Off Final after being caught spying on opponents.They’ll also start next season with a points deduction.So, how has Spygate cost Saints a place in the Premier League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul IliffeHow Arteta's Arsenal finally became champions
38:26|After 22 years, Arsenal have finally won the Premier League title.So how did Mikel Arteta transform the Gunners from pretenders to champions?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, Adrian ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick ThomsonOrnstein latest: Guardiola leaving, is Maresca the answer?
34:44|Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City this summer.And with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca the man expected to replace him.How on earth do you follow Pep?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Sam Lee, Liam TwomeyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson