Outcasts! The Lands That FIFA Forgot examines the tarnished reputation of world football's governing body, and the manner in which they exclude certain 'nations' from their organisation. For two years, Steve Menary traced the incredible journeys of the teams that FIFA refuse to recognise, usually for reasons of political expediency. Initially intrigued by the motivation of the no-hoper 'nations' and their players, Steve was drawn into a scene with a surprisingly positive approach to both the beautiful game and nationalism - cue the FIFI (Federation of International Football Independents) 'Wild Cup', staged in Germany prior to the FIFA World Cup in 2006, featuring teams from officially non-existent countries such as Zanzibar, Greenland, Tibet and Northern Cyprus. Meet the devil-may-care dentist-footballer from Greenland, kit manufacturers desperate to sponsor the Tibetan national football team, and Gibraltan players who could end centuries of Anglo-Spanish dispute over the rock.
Outcasts! The Lands That FIFA Forgot examines the tarnished reputation of world football's governing body, and the manner in which they exclude certain 'nations' from their organisation. For two years, Steve Menary traced the incredible journeys of the teams that FIFA refuse to recognise, usually for reasons of political expediency. Initially intrigued by the motivation of the no-hoper 'nations' and their players, Steve was drawn into a scene with a surprisingly positive approach to both the beautiful game and nationalism - cue the FIFI (Federation of International Football Independents) 'Wild Cup', staged in Germany prior to the FIFA World Cup in 2006, featuring teams from officially non-existent countries such as Zanzibar, Greenland, Tibet and Northern Cyprus. Meet the devil-may-care dentist-footballer from Greenland, kit manufacturers desperate to sponsor the Tibetan national football team, and Gibraltan players who could end centuries of Anglo-Spanish dispute over the rock.