The popular impression of British soccer’s relationship with the rest of the world until the late 1950’s was one of selfish, arrogant, isolation. The reality however, was quite different with frequent and multi-dimensional contact between the ‘Home Nations’ and the rest of the soccer world.
This paper acknowledges their self-imposed absence from the FIFA and as a consequent their non-participation in the first three World Cups. However, it demonstrates that at almost every other level Britain remained at the centre of world soccer; as regards the laws, playing international matches, club tours and the migration of players and referees.
It reflects on the circumstances that helped to substantiate the myth, focusing on an attitude of superiority, the ban on foreign professionals being ‘employed’ in British soccer and the alleged inferior style of foreign soccer and refereeing standards. This is in contrast to the globalised product that is today’s English Premier League.
Key Words
FIFA, Football, World Cup, Isolation, Globalization, English Premier League.