The Athletic FC Presents...

Online searches for fake football shirts have gone up by over 500% since 2021, with the Premier league counterfeit market worth over £180m.But what damage could they be causing you and others?Adam Leventhal has spent the last nine months investigating the illicit trade of counterfeits, and uncovered some shocking details along the way.Host: Adam LeventhalMixing: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from: Sky News, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, sdpeasyy, Culture Force Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In August 2023, on the pitch in Sydney, Australia, Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso's life changed. But not in the way it should have.In a moment that became more widely known as "The Kiss" former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales, grabbed Hermoso's face and planted a kiss on her lips.It became front page news around the world.In February 2025, Rubiales went on trial for one count of sexual assault and one of coercion. If he was found guilty of both counts, the prosecution was asking for a two and a half year prison sentence.In the end, following a two week trial, Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault but not guilty of coercion.So, how did we get to this ruling?Meg Linehan guides you through the full story, with the help of The Athletic's Spanish reporters, from the pitch in Sydney, to the hills of south Spain, over to the court room of Madrid. And ultimately ask one question, se acabó? Is it over?______________________________CreditsHost: Meg Linehan.Contributors: Dermot Corrigan, Guillermo Rai, Laia Cervello and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero.Producer: Theo Lloyd-HughesExecutive Producers: Abi Paterson and Emily OlsenFeaturing footage from: ABC News, Sky Sports, Al Jazeera, The Independent, Sky News, France 24 English, Fox, Jenni Hermoso Instagram, RFEF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football fans are desperate for transfer news - and it's often bigger than the sport itself.Open twice a year - in January and the summer - the transfer window changes the game.But what actually goes on when deals are made?Join Adam Leventhal as he goes behind the scenes at training grounds, stadiums and offices to explain the anatomy of a transfer and to breakdown the complex process of what a player goes through when they move from club to club.Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On December 1, one of the world’s worst stadium disasters unfolded. At the Stade du 3 Avril in Nzerekore, Guinea, a devastating crush led to chaos and, according to officials, the deaths of 56 people. But domestic human rights organisations believe they have verified that at least 135 people lost their lives that day.The Athletic travelled to Nzerekore to visit the stadium, analyse what happened and speak to eyewitnesses and relatives of those involved. They are grieving and searching for the truth.Content Warning: This show contains reporting that some listeners may find upsettingHost: Adam LeventhalProducer: Abi PatersonNews reporting: Channel 4, France News, Sky News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In April 2023, civil war broke out in Sudan. It continues to this day leaving in its wake the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to the United Nations.Despite this, Sudan’s national football team has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and tops its World Cup qualification group.They are a source of hope to a nation left in ruins.In this special episode of The Athletic FC Documentary we’ll take you into the war torn country where amateur matches continue amid the shelling, and football grounds have become burial grounds.At a refugee camp in neighbouring Chad, we’ll hear of the horrors of war and how football is helping children there.And hear how geo political influence, immigration and perilous journeys over land and sea are part of this journey with Sudan, football and a war struggling to be seen and heard.CreditsWritten and presented by Adam LeventhalProduced by Abi PatersonAdditional reporting in collaboration with Tom Rhodes and Zemenfes Goudos GebreMikaelFeaturing footage from beIN Sport, Al Jazeera, British Pathé, Sky News, Fairshot, SuperSport, Sudan FA  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.