Advertise on podcast: Soccer 101

A bonus episode this week! We're cross-posting an episode from our friends over at the Can I Kick It podcast. Host Elliot Bar sits down with Greggo from For the Culture to discuss the new joint Anti-Discrimination Policy by MLS, MLSPA, and Black Players for Change. They get into how the policy came to be, why it was necessary in the first place, how other leagues should take note, and much more!  --- Can I Kick it is a podcast built on telling the stories of Black athletes, coaches, and owners that have impacted the game of soccer on and off the pitch. With all the wonderful footballers from Africa, Europe, The Caribbeans, and The Americas, it is shocking to see that no one has made a podcast dedicated to them. Each episode breaks down the career path of an individual person and focuses on their legacy and lasting impact on the beautiful game. Follow the show on Twitter at @CIKIFC or on Instagram @Canikickitfc.

This week, Graham and Taylor discuss a topic that they somehow haven't yet discussed on the podcast... Designated Players! What is a DP? Why does the concept exist in the first place? How has the reliance on DPs evolved over time? Who are the most notable Designated Players in MLS history? What does the future hold for the DP rule? Plus, Graham helpfully runs through the list of DC United's all-time DPs while Taylor silently weeps. Enjoy!

On this week's episode, Taylor (who could be sacked at any moment) and Graham (waiting to take over as Interim Podcast Host) discuss Interim Managers. When should a club appoint one? Are there different types? Is it always a bad sign when one comes in? And who are the most successful examples in soccer history? Graham also manages to get in multiple shots at Manchester United, much to Taylor's chagrin. Enjoy!

Graham and Taylor don their tin foil caps to discuss soccer's greatest conspiracy theories, and attempt to determine which ones are completely fictional (most of them) and which ones have some truth to them (some of them). Topics covered include... 1) Nike forced Ronaldo to play the 1998 World Cup final 2) A swimming pool scandal ended Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands career 3) Colombia’s secret service stung Bobby Moore at the 1970 World Cup 4) The 1958 World Cup was faked by the CIA 5) An Arsenal-supporting chef was behind Tottenham’s Lasagna-gate 6) Steven Gerrard missed a penalty to get Roy Hodgson sacked 7) Argentina gave Brazil tranquilizers during a knockout round game at the 1990 World Cup 8) South Korea got favorable treatment to ensure the host nation advanced far into the 2002 World Cup 9) FIFA was bribed to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, respectively (this one started as a conspiracy theory and is now... a little more than that)

This week, Graham and Taylor make sure not to record on Saturday at 3pm, so they aren't in violation of any sort of blackout rules. Is that how it works? Well, if you aren't certain either, this episode is for you! What is The 3pm blackout? What's the logic behind it? How is it enforced? Does it still serve a purpose? Those and many more questions answered on this week's episode!

This week, Graham and Taylor delve into the history of the Asian Cup, and there's a lot of surprising history there for the delving. When did it first begin? Who are its most successful competitors? What are the factors holding it back from getting the billing it deserves?

Graham and Taylor discuss everyone's favorite hype-train-generator: the wonderkid! Why is there such fascination with these players? What are the pitfalls of being one? Who are some of the most memorable wonderkids in soccer history, and which ones actually came good? That and much more… including the mention of the name Freddy Adu.

With the 2024 (but actually 2023) iteration of the Africa Cup of Nations about to kick off, Graham and Taylor spend some time on the history of the tournament itself. When was the first AFCON? How has the tournament grown over the years? Why does it take place in the middle of the season? Which countries and players have had the greatest successes at the competition? We answer those and several more questions on this week's episode!

On this episode, we get into the past, present and future of Gianni Infantino's current favorite child: The Club World Cup! What is it, how has it evolved over time, who are its most successful competitors, and what will future iterations of the tournament look like? Plus, does it actually need to change? Will it ever be a "marquee" tournament? How much of the tournament will Graham end up watching? Spoiler alert: the answer to that last one is "way too much."

With the recent news that Everton would be docked 10 points for violating Financial Fair Play rules, Graham and Taylor spend some time discussing points deductions. What are they, who hands them out, and why do they feel like the nuclear option? Plus, historical examples of their usage throughout English football history, and the rest of the world too!

On this episode, Graham and Taylor toss themselves into the world of the throw-in. It's more interesting than it sounds, I promise! What is a throw-in? What is its history? Who are the great Champions of the Throw? How could throws evolve in the future? All that and more!

Graham and Taylor discuss a moneymaker... the expansion of the record transfer fee over the years. Why did the transfer record grow so quickly? Which ones have worked out and which ones weren't exactly a bargain? Which ones are responsible for inflating the market? What is the history of the transfer fee, while we're on the subject? All that and more on today's episode!