Nicholas McGeehan is a founding co-director of FairSquare and co-author of the damning report Substitute: The Case for External Reform of FIFA. He joins me today to unpack the long history of systemic dysfunction within FIFA—from its roots in patronage and cronyism to recent scandals surrounding World Cup hosts like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Nick offers a detailed look at FIFA's failures on human rights, governance, and safeguarding in both the men's and women’s game, while also presenting a hopeful vision for a better way forward. This is a must-listen for anyone who loves football but demands accountability.

This episode was recorded in December 2024.

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Chris Britt-Searle is a passionate volunteer with The Next Test. This UK-based nonprofit is becoming a vital hub for players, clubs, and fans committed to addressing the environmental challenges facing cricket.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Chris shares the story behind The Next Test and offers insights into the organisation’s role in uniting the cricketing community to confront ecological issues. We examine the current status of cricket in the face of climate change and explore how players, sports organisations, and governing bodies contribute to helping (or hindering) sustainable change. Our conversation also touches on the complexities of partnerships with environmental activist groups, the challenges posed by high-carbon sponsorships, and the broader implications of ecological uncertainty on the growth and development of cricket worldwide.

This episode goes beyond the boundaries (all puns intended) of the game, challenging assumptions and offering a look at cricket’s potential to lead in the fight against climate change. Whether you are a player, fan, or simply curious about the intersection of sports and sustainability, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

This episode was recorded in November 2024.

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Please feel free to reach out to the show on
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or contact us at: benmole@sustainingsport.com

Alaukik Shrivastava is a legal scholar and Assistant Professor at Nirma University in Gujarat, India. He joins us here to discuss the fascinating and fast-growing industry of fantasy sports. India has a notable legal approach to gaming versus gambling. The line between games of chance and games of skill is a fine one, and it's something that regulators are struggling to get on top of.

We have discussed in previous episodes how open-access gambling can be very harmful to society. But there is also an argument that leaving it to the black market means players have no protections and the state cannot benefit from what is a significant economic engine. Alaukik brings his vast knowledge of the historical, legal and cultural aspects that have led to this point and makes a compelling case for undertaking a thorough critical review of the rules of each new game, before casting judgment.

You can find Alaukik on his LinkedIn or Instagram.

Also please find links to X-Bet/X-Bat and a fake Indian cricket league for Russian gamblers stories referenced in the episode.

Support the show

Please feel free to reach out to the show on
Web: sustainingsport.com
Instagram: @sustainingsport
Linkedin: /sustaining-sport
Facebook: @sustainingsport
Twitter: @SustainSportPod
Now on Bluesky /sustainingsport.bsky.social
or contact us at: benmole@sustainingsport.com