The CIES Football Observatory publishes landmark book “Slow foot”

The International Centre for Sports Studies is pleased to announce the publishing of the French version of the 190-page book “Slow foot”. The new book, of which an English version will be available later in the year, is written by Dr. Raffaele Poli, Dr. Roger Besson and Dr. Loïc Ravenel, who are the principal scholars of the CIES Football Observatory research group.

The book provides a unique perspective on the evolution of the professional game. The title, “Slow foot”, reflects the critical approach developed by the authors, as well as their willingness to tackle problems observed in the professional game; most notably within the framework of the empirical functioning of the football player labour and transfer markets.

While top level football matches are played at a frantic pace, the book invites readers to take time to reflect on both present and future challenges. This is done through seven sections, with each composed of two chapters: Export and import; Cohesion and experience; Training and development; Performance and values; Myths and realities; Bias and hopes; Money and tricks.

The authors, Raffaele Poli, Roger Besson and Loïc Ravenel, hold PhDs in geography and manage the CIES Football Observatory research group based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.