The Extratime.ie Sportscast Episode 115 - James Hendicott - Amy Lawrence

It's an alternative World Cup-themed Extratime.ie Sportscast as Dec Marron and Dave Donnelly delve into the weird and wonderful CONIFA World Cup.

The lads speak to Dublin-based journalist James Hendicott, who travelled to England earlier this month for the World Cup for a broad umbrella of nations and peoples unaffiliated with FIFA.

Hendicott, who will published a book about his experience at the tournament based around Greater London, talks about the complex political and human context of the unique World Cup.

In his own words: “This is not a book about football. Well, it is, in a sense, but it’s also a book about overcoming the odds.”

On a more mainstream World Cup note, Dec is joined on the phone from Russia by Macdara Ferris, who has so far taken in games between Iran and Morocco, and Egypt and the hosts.

So far, two of those countries have been eliminated, prompting several frantic requests from at-risk national associations appealing to Extratime.ie not to let him attend any more games.

Macdara also talks to Guardian journalist Amy Lawrence about her perception of Russia since touching down - with the backdrop of Senegal's surprise win over Poland.

There's also plenty of discussion to be had on the latest Champions League and Europa League draws, as well as the mooted Saudi takeover of Galway United and the reasons behind it.

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