Should you listen?
Foul Play explores a conspiracy theory surrounding legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks and his alleged poisoning by the CIA during the 1970 World Cup. The narrative format, led by Ed and investigative journalist Gabriel Gatehouse, offers a unique blend of sports history and Cold War intrigue. Fans of true crime and sports stories will find this podcast engaging.
~48 min episodes · Irregular schedule · 8 episodes
You'll like this if
- you enjoy true crime narratives
- you are interested in sports history
- you like conspiracy theories
- you appreciate investigative journalism
Maybe skip it if
This podcast may not suit listeners looking for a fast-paced or regular release schedule.
About Foul Play
Ed is the grandson of footballing legend Gordon Banks. He was a national icon, the only goalkeeper ever to win the soccer World Cup for England. But Ed’s heard a rumour: that in 1970, while defending the title, his granddad, his hero, was poisoned… by the CIA. All part of a Cold War plot to bolster a military dictatorship in Latin America, supposedly. Could this possibly be true? Banks did get ill in Mexico in 1970 with food poisoning. And England crashed out, marking the start of decades of hurt. Ed enlists the help of investigative journalist Gabriel Gatehouse. Together they embark on a journey into the bewildering world of Cold War espionage, a journey that threatens to unravel 60 years of sporting history; or possibly… to knock Ed’s granddad off his pedestal. Episodes 1 & 2 out May 28th, then released weekly. Want to skip the wait between episodes? Subscribe to Audible from launch to binge the entire series in one go - completely ad-free.Foul Play is an Audible Original, produced for Audible by Grayhouse Productions.
What to expect
Each episode runs about 30 minutes and delves into the mystery surrounding Banks' illness during the World Cup. The storytelling combines personal anecdotes with investigative research, creating a compelling narrative. The release schedule is irregular, with episodes published as they are completed.
Where to start
New listeners should start with episode 1, 'Men in White Coats', to understand the central premise and characters.
- Language
- English
- Type
- podcast
Questions about Foul Play
Is Foul Play worth listening to?
Foul Play offers a unique perspective on a sports legend and a conspiracy theory, making it worth a listen for those interested in true crime and sports.
How long are Foul Play episodes?
Episodes of Foul Play typically run about 30 minutes.
Is Foul Play still going?
Foul Play has published 8 episodes, with the latest episode released on July 2, 2026.
Where should I begin with Foul Play?
Start with episode 1, 'Men in White Coats', to get the full context of the story.
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