Al Jazeera English returns with 'Football Rebels'

Looking at a side of football that doesn't always make the scoreboard. Former Manchester United star Eric Cantona puts the spotlight on some of the more unusual stories of football heroes

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | June 11, 2014

With World Cup fever about to start in earnest, Al Jazeera English brings 'Football Rebels\, presented and narrated by former Manchester United star Eric Cantona, putting the spotlight on some of the more unusual stories of football heroes.

Football Rebels is a five-part documentary that sheds light on five football legends whose social conscience led them to use their fame and influence to challenge unjust regimes, join opposition movements and lead the fight for democracy and human rights in their countries.

The first episode of Football Rebels is focused on Didier Drogba and the Ivorian Civil War. In 2006, ex-Chelsea legend Drogba used his influence as a footballer to call on Ivory Coast's President Gbagbo to end the civil war that had ravaged his home country.  He also made a desperate plea for his countrymen to lay down their weapons, resulting in a ceasefire after five years of conflict.

The second episode revolves around the Socrates and the Corinthians Democracy movement. Popularly known as 'the Doctor', for having gained a degree in medicine, Socrates combined his attacking midfield skills with his revolutionary political beliefs. Along with his teammates, he transformed every match into a political statement.  His support for democracy helped ordinary Brazilians living through a military dictatorship in the 1980s, realise that they could have a voice too.

The third episode showcases Predrag Pasic and the Siege of Sarajevo. As war raged across the remains of Yugoslavia, former international footballer Predrag Pasic decided to stay in Sarajevo despite the bombs and open a multi-ethnic football school, Bubamara. His brave stand against the sectarian atmosphere, created by civil war, gave many youngsters the chance to learn the philosophy of unity and teamwork through sport.

The fourth episode presents Carlos Caszely and the Demise of Allende. It follows the journey of Chilean player Carlos Caszely and how in 1973 his support for murdered President Salvador Allende led to his persecution by General Pinochet's regime.

The final episode talks about Rachid Mekhloufi and the FLN Team. It looks back at the Brazilian dictatorship of the early 1980s and how Sócrates the midfield maestro and Brazilian captain turned every Corinthians' match into a political meeting for democracy.

Commenting on 'Football Rebels', Eric Cantona said: “Football is more than the opium of the people. It's about good intentions, noble hearts... When your country is at war, your friends are killing each other and children are given rifles rather than footballs, so what if the whole world admires you.”

Football Rebels is written and directed by Gilles Rof and Gilles Perez.

Transmission time:

1^st episode: 10 and 14 June 04.00 IST | 11 and 15 June 15.00 IST | 12 and 16 June 09.00

IST | 13 and 17 June 22.00 IST

2nd episode: 17 and 21 June 04.00 IST | 18 and 22 June 15.00 IST | 19 and 23 June 09.00

IST | 20 and 24 June 22.00 IST

3rd episode: 24 and 28 June 04.00 IST | 25 and 29 June 15.00 IST | 26 and 30 June 09.00

IST | 27 June and 1 July 22.00 IST

4th episode: 1 and 5 July 04.00 IST | 2 and 6 July 15.00 IST | 3 and 7 July 09.00 IST | 4

and 8 July 22.00 IST

Final episode: 8 and 12 July 04.00 IST | 9 and 13 July 15.00 IST | 10 and 14 July 09.00 IST

| 11 and 15 July 22.00 IST

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