Fútbol, Politics, and Corruption Andrés Penovi Orjales Thesis Submitted To
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Fútbol, Politics, and Corruption Andrés Penovi Orjales Thesis submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Political Science Mauro J. Caraccioli, Chair Desiree Poets Patrick Ridge May 15th, 2020 Blacksburg, Virginia Keywords: Football, Politics, Corruption, Migration Copyright 2020, Andrés P. Orjales Fútbol, Politics, and Corruption Andrés Penovi Orjales Academic Abstract This thesis explores how football (soccer) is used as a tool to promote corruption within political and economic institutions in Latin America and Europe. By drawing on international political and economic policies and analyzing work that theorizes how neoliberalism is not only an outside force that highly influences the state, but also shapes power relationships in society that are procreated by every day economic actions of the working class, this research aims to provide a more theoretically informed perspective on global politics. This thesis also examines how entrepreneurial endeavors can lead to relations of exploitation, extraction and economic dispossession in broader political society. More specifically, it analyses neoliberalism in Argentina and Germany through the perspective of state power, informal economies, and international migration. Lastly, this research portrays the mindset of Argentine and German politicians over the last century by analyzing the actions of the elites within the football clubs and organizations under the guise of entrepreneurship. Fútbol, Politics, and Corruption Andrés Penovi Orjales General Audience Abstract This thesis aims to understand the corrupt ways in which football (soccer) is used within Latin America and Europe to illicitly gain political and economic power. More specifically, it aims at analyzing neoliberalism in Argentina and Germany through the perspective of state power, informal economies, and international migration. The aim of this research is to understand how the footballing industry can lead to relations of manipulation, extraction, and economic impoverishment within broader society seen through the connections between politicians, club officials, and third party illicit actors. Dedication Dedico esta tesis a quienes me han apoyado a través de los años con mis estudios y decisiones profesionales. A mis padres Rodolfo y Celina, no podría haber llegado a este punto de mi vida sin sus palabras de sabiduría, amor y entusiasmo, inspirándome a seguir adelante y a cultivar mis pasiones. A mis hermanos, Martín, Pablo y Lucas, porque sin ellos tampoco sería la persona quien soy hoy. De los tres he aprendido a través de compartir y convivir, en la similitud y en la diferencia. Parafraseando al gaucho Martín Fierro, siempre unidos “porque esa es la ley primera”. iv Acknowledgments I would first and foremost like to thank my committee chair, Dr. Mauro Caraccioli, for his unwavering guidance and dedication to ensure the success and completion of this masters thesis. No matter the obstacles that would stand in the way, you always managed to keep me focused and devoted to this project, all the while providing me new insights on the best way to go about my research. To my committee members, Dr. Desiree Poets and Dr. Patrick Ridge, obrigado and gracias for all your support and expertise throughout this process, and for offering different approaches toward analyzing my research topic. I could not have asked for a better committee. Lastly, to the Virginia Tech Department of Political Science, I am eternally grateful for all the opportunities you have provided me throughout my undergraduate and graduate years. I promise you all that after this chapter, I will continue to proudly represent our department and university, and show my future colleagues the hard and high quality work we aim to achieve every day. v Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 Background of the Issue ............................................................................................................ 7 Significance of the Issue .......................................................................................................... 10 How to Study Fútbol and Politics ............................................................................................ 10 Fútbol Goes Global .................................................................................................................. 14 Corruption and Fútbol within Political Science ..................................................................... 17 Thesis Structure ....................................................................................................................... 19 Chapter 2: Football, Identity, and the State ............................................................................. 22 Football and Identity - A Theoretical Application of Benedict Anderson ............................. 26 Migration in Argentina ............................................................................................................ 30 20th Century Migration & Nationhood in Argentina ........................................................... 30 Barras Bravas, Migration, and Political Society .................................................................. 33 Migration in Germany ............................................................................................................. 35 Colonial Origins of German Migration Policy ..................................................................... 36 Migration, Identity, and Nationhood in Germany ................................................................ 38 Football, Identity & Ultras ................................................................................................... 41 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 44 Chapter 3: Argentina, Fútbol, and Politics .............................................................................. 46 Background: (1893-1983) ........................................................................................................ 48 AFA and Military Dictatorships ........................................................................................... 51 Peronism and AFA ................................................................................................................ 53 Neoliberalism and Argentine Fútbol ....................................................................................... 56 Fútbol and Politics within Argentina Today: (1983-Present) ................................................ 62 Barras Bravas ....................................................................................................................... 65 Argentina & the AFA on the International Stage .................................................................. 70 Political Corruption in Argentina ......................................................................................... 71 FIFA Corruption Scandal ..................................................................................................... 73 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 76 Chapter 4: Germany, Fußball, and Politics ............................................................................. 78 Background: (1875-1945) ........................................................................................................ 82 Fußball and Nazism: (1933-1945) ........................................................................................ 85 Fußball, Economics, and Politics - A Theoretical Application of Wolfgang Streeck ........... 88 Fußball within Germany Today: (1950-Present) .................................................................... 94 Post War Germany, the 1974 World Cup, and Corruption .................................................. 96 Fußball & Politics in the 21st Century ................................................................................ 100 Ultras .................................................................................................................................. 104 Germany on the International Stage ..................................................................................... 107 The DFB and FIFA ............................................................................................................... 108 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 109 Chapter 5: Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 111 Academic Progression ............................................................................................................ 111 Important Findings ................................................................................................................ 114 Moving Forward .................................................................................................................... 115 Bibliography .............................................................................................................................. 117 vi Chapter 1: Introduction Today in Argentina, football