May 16, 2017
In this week's show we get on the line to Sheffield, UK to talk
with academic and football enthusiast Pete Watson. Currently
pursuing his PhD, Watson comes to Colombia Calling with a vast
knowledge of Colombia and football here and indeed his dissertation
will explore how football has influenced public policy in this
country.
We discuss three periods in Colombian history, pivotal for both the
politics and indeed football, 1948-53, 1985-94 and the current day.
Our conversation takes in the peace process between the Government
of President Santos and the FARC guerrillas, the Bogotá bandits
during Colombia's "El Dorado" footballing period, Hungarian
footballers exiled in Santa Marta, mafia and cartel involvement in
the beautiful game and much more.
Football is seen by Watson as a nationbuilding instrument for
Colombia and his enthusiasm makes for a fantastic show.