After the Premier League finally voted to ban gambling brands as front-of-shirt sponsors, the VERSUS team looks at why this decision really matters and what comes next in football’s fight against exploitation.


We also look at football’s most important culture stories of the last week including Dave’s new link-up with EA SPORTS FC, why Dide presents an important conversation about football’s relationship with rap, and the prospect of Hashtag United going pro.


‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.


Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)
Johnny Kay (ojhnyn)

Ep. 16: Gambling in Football, Dave’s Link Up with EA SPORTS FC and the Mystery of Dide

The Women’s Super League is braced for one of the greatest season finales in its history.

As Manchester City and Chelsea’s tussle for the title goes down to the wire, the VERSUS team breaks down what’s changed in recent years to make the WSL’s competitiveness the envy of every other league in the world.

We also take a look at the cultural legacy of ‘The Invincibles’ 20 years on, and give flowers to another great of the game in Karen Carney.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Ahmed Shooble (@AhmedShooble)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)
Corey Pellatt (@CoreyPellatt)

Ep. 43: The WSL Finale, the Invincibles’ Legacy and Karen Carney’s Greatness

As another season comes to a close, the Premier League has just dropped its annual ‘Young Player of the Year Award’ shortlist but with some players now in their fifth or sixth senior season – surely it’s time for the criteria to be refreshed?

The VERSUS team breaks down why the PL needs a ‘Rookie of the Year’ style reward for players who have just broken onto the scene. Elsewhere, we look at the significance of Emirates Stadium becoming the new official home of Arsenal WFC, break down how drop culture has embraced football boots, and pay tribute to Viv Miedema ahead of her North London departure.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Ahmed Shooble (@AhmedShooble)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)
Corey Pellatt (@CoreyPellatt)

Ep. 44: Why Football Needs a 'Rookie of the Year' Award

Football fans are the lifeline of their clubs – but more people than ever before find it difficult to see their team play in person due to ticket price increases.

With the 24/25 season well underway and a number of Premier League teams reducing or eliminating concession fares, the VERSUS team breaks down why the big business aspect of football is ruining the spirit of the game.

We also look at growing trend of Black players being mocked for self-expression, speak about Chelsea’s decision to stop on-pitch signing sessions at the end of their women’s games, and pay respect to Alex Morgan at the end of an illustrious career.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Ahmed Shooble (@AhmedShooble)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)
Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)

Ep. 45: Ticket Prices, Pitchside Access in Women’s Football and Alex Morgan’s Greatness

LABRUM's partnership with Arsenal stands alone in the football-fashion space.

After turning Emirates Stadium into a runway for a first-of-its-kind show at LFW, the VERSUS team breaks down the impact of this moment and what other clubs can learn from embracing culture.

We also discuss the significance of Jude Bellingham’s YouTube play at a time when sports documentaries are more important than ever, and pay respect to Daniel Sturridge for his influence in credibly connecting football to fields like music and fashion.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_) 
Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)
Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)

Ep. 46: LABRUM and Arsenal at LFW, Jude’s YouTube Takeover, and Daniel Sturridge’s Legacy

Manchester City midfielder and Ballon d’Or nominee Rodri became one of the most high-profile players to say players could one day go on strike in response to increasing fixtures.

We break down how we’ve got to this point and whether it’s likely. We also discuss C.P. Company’s new partnership with Manchester City and look at the rise of sustainable boot brand, Sokito.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Host: Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)
Ahmed Shooble (@AhmedShooble)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)

Ep. 47: Could We Actually See Pro Players Go on Strike?

Dave’s love for football is undeniable. The Streatham rapper took his very own Santan Cup to St George’s Park where his family and friends lived the life of professional ballers for one day only.

The VERSUS team breaks why the tournament is so influential. From the talent involved to authentic brand collabs between Stone Island and New Balance, this tournament sets the standard for how football should exist within contemporary culture.

We also discuss Central Cee’s exploits within football following his collaboration with PSG during Paris Fashion Week, and revisit the subject of football’s inability to tackle gambling brands.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Host: Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)
Ahmed Shooble (@AhmedShooble)
Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)

Ep. 48: Dave’s Santan Cup Is the Future

The Women’s Super League is proving to be primetime entertainment already this season. With the newly-introduced YouTube live streams already breaking viewership numbers, it’s never been easier to watch the beautiful game.

The VERSUS team breaks down why this new strategy from Women’s Professional Leagues is beneficial for both the WSL and the Women’s Championship, and what impact free viewership could have on a new generation of fans.

We also discuss proposed the Premier League’s proposed initiatives to enhance match day coverage from next season, and whether more media access will actually enable the product to evolve.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Host: Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Ahmed Shooble (@AhmedShooble)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)

Ep. 49: Why Streaming WSL Games on YouTube Makes Sense

Jonas Eidevall’s departure from his role as Arsenal manager highlights a new moment in the fan culture of women’s football.

While some quarters deem the criticism he received a sign of women’s football becoming toxic, the VERSUS team breaks down why passionate fans and intense competition are essential for the growth of the game.

We also discuss the England team’s relationship with nationalism in the light of Thomas Tuchel’s appointment, and give flowers to EFL hitman Richard Kone.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Host: Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Ahmed Shooble (@AhmedShooble)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)
Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Ep. 50: Why We Need Passion in Women's Football

Corteiz and Nike just linked up again to drop one of the most iconic campaign films in a minute, bringing together some of the most influential ballers and cultural tastemakers past and present.

We break down the significance of this moment and why it showcases that football’s cultural impact is bigger than ever before. We also ask whether the Ballon d’Or is fit for purpose following a controversial 2024 awards night, and pay tribute to Nottingham Forest baller Ola Aina.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Host: Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)
Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Ep. 51: Why Corteiz and Nike Is a Good Thing for Football

Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis announced they're expecting their first child this week – but what was supposed to be a cause for celebration ended up leading to a torrent of misogynistic and homophobic abuse directed at Kerr and Mewis.

The VERSUS team reflects on what this means for the current state of fan culture and the decline of ‘Football Twitter’ as a safe space. Elsewhere, we ask whether declining attendances in the WSL is genuine cause for concern, and explore how Nike’s long-anticipated T90 return will shake up the football-culture space.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love

Ep. 52: Standing with Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis

The Future of Football is a new podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories, and the ideas that are shaping the future of the game we love. Every episode, we’ll be breaking down some of the biggest talking points from the cultural, social and business sides of the sport, giving you unrivalled insight into the off-pitch issues taking football to a new era.

Ep. 16: Gambling in Football, Dave’s Link Up with EA SPORTS FC and the Mystery of Dide

The Future of Football

Related tracks