EPISODE · Jan 22, 2024 · 12 MIN
The unfriendly friendly
from Amazing Sport Stories · host BBC World Service
It’s 1998 and Iran have just played the USA in one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the World Cup in France. Now on the eve of the final, in a building on the Champs-Elysees, two acquaintances – one Iranian, one American – are hatching a plan. They’re hoping to change geopolitics, through football. This is the story how their idea for a simple friendly match would lead to death threats, an FBI decoy and the closure of American airspace. Audio scenes have been re-created. Let us know what you think #AmazingSportStories
What this episode covers
It’s 1998 and Iran have just played the USA in one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the World Cup in France. Now on the eve of the final, in a building on the Champs-Elysees, two acquaintances – one Iranian, one American – are hatching a plan. They’re hoping to change geopolitics, through football. This is the story how their idea for a simple friendly match would lead to death threats, an FBI decoy and the closure of American airspace. Audio scenes have been re-created. Let us know what you think #AmazingSportStories
NOW PLAYING
The unfriendly friendly
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Apr 21, 2026 ·13m
Apr 19, 2026 ·16m
Apr 17, 2026 ·13m
Apr 13, 2026 ·11m
Apr 11, 2026 ·16m