States of Play

States of Play is Miguel Delaney's investigation into who owns and runs modern football. It starts with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where allegations of sportswashing and financial misconduct against the state of Qatar put the question in the spotlight. Delaney travels from Abu Dhabi to Newcastle, London, Paris, Moscow and New York. The book argues that wealthy businessmen, state-backed corporations, media tycoons and oil-rich oligarchs have taken over the game. It looks at Neymar's £198 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, Abu Dhabi's construction empire in Manchester, Financial Fair Play and the European Super League.

Why You Should Read?

• Follow the author's journey from Abu Dhabi to Newcastle, London, Paris, Moscow and New York.
• Explore the sportswashing and financial misconduct allegations that the book investigates at the highest levels of football.
• Learn what the book says about Financial Fair Play, the European Super League and Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain.
• Catch up on Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid, the Manchester City charges case and the 2024/25 season in this updated edition.

About the Author

Miguel Delaney, who is Spanish and Irish, writes books and reports on football as chief football writer at The Independent.