Football is facing a growing integrity problem that affects every level of the game, from the Premier League to grassroots clubs. In his new book, Foul Play, Dr. Dan Hough, a professor of politics at the University of Sussex, examines how unethical behaviour in football has become widespread, with negative consequences for both the sport and its participants.
Hough highlights a range of incidents—such as players exaggerating injuries, abusing referees, staging tournaments without an open bidding process, and the creation of breakaway leagues—that illustrate a consistent failure to uphold integrity in football. These actions, he argues, harm the game’s health, not only by diminishing the quality of play but also by setting a poor example for young players and fans.
A central issue, according to Hough, is the widespread neglect of moral principles in football. “Integrity is supposed to be about nudging people towards doing better things,” he says. But, he points out, in football, the primary focus often shifts from fair play to winning at any cost. This mindset has permeated all levels of the game, from elite teams like Manchester City to local under-sevens clubs. The result is a culture where victory trumps ethics, undermining the sport’s fundamental values.
The negative effects of this lack of integrity are evident in both professional and amateur football. Hough, who has coached youth teams, refereed matches, and played in veterans’ leagues, sees firsthand how bad behaviour filters down from the top. He notes that it’s not just parents mimicking the actions of pros but also children internalising the same competitive drive at a young age. “The glamour and riches of being a Premier League footballer are so enticing that they would do anything to try and get their son or daughter in that position,” Hough explains. This results in kids adopting the same “win-at-all-costs” mentality, rather than focusing on the enjoyment of the game.
To address the issue, Hough proposes two solutions. The first is a “stick” approach, already being employed by football’s governing bodies, to curb unsporting behaviour through stricter penalties. However, Hough believes the long-term solution lies in education and a shift in mindset. He advocates for a broader focus on teaching players, coaches, and fans why integrity matters in football.
One of Hough’s key recommendations is for FIFA to establish an “integrity commission” to assess and address the scale of the issue within the sport. He also calls on individuals within the football community to take responsibility for their actions. “I think we’ve got more power than we realize as individuals,” he says, referencing the decline in hooliganism in the 1990s as evidence that societal change can positively impact football culture.
Small actions, like admitting when a ball went out of play or acknowledging a missed foul, can go a long way toward restoring integrity, according to Hough. While he acknowledges that fixing the problem won’t be easy, he believes it’s essential to create a football environment that prioritizes fair play over winning at any cost.
For Hough, the benefits of a more ethical football culture are clear. “If sport’s going to be worth playing at any level then there has to be some sort of level playing field,” he argues. This includes not only enforcing rules but also fostering unwritten norms about what is appropriate behaviour. “If you can’t agree on a basic understanding that we’re going to compete on a relatively even keel then I don’t think you’re getting much out of sport, and I don’t think sport is getting much out of you.”
In the end, Hough’s message is simple: football needs to return to its roots, where the spirit of the game is about more than just winning—it’s about playing with integrity.
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