185: Politics and Football in Colombia with Pete Watson

In this week's show we get on the line to Sheffield, UK to talk with academic and football enthusiast Pete Watson. Currently pursuing his PhD, Watson comes to Colombia Calling with a vast knowledge of Colombia and football here and indeed his dissertation will explore how football has influenced public policy in this country.

We discuss three periods in Colombian history, pivotal for both the politics and indeed football, 1948-53, 1985-94 and the current day. Our conversation takes in the peace process between the Government of President Santos and the FARC guerrillas, the Bogotá bandits during Colombia's "El Dorado" footballing period, Hungarian footballers exiled in Santa Marta, mafia and cartel involvement in the beautiful game and much more.

Football is seen by Watson as a nationbuilding instrument for Colombia and his enthusiasm makes for a fantastic show.