ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the socio-historical context from which the English Premier League has emerged. It examines a number of the issues faced by English football clubs and governing bodies over time. The book also charts the development of the English Premier League's relationship with the media. It also sets out the dynamics of the broader political economy established between the League, its member clubs and core global media and business corporations. The book shows how the increasingly entangled relationship between the English Premier League and the media has helped to create Premier League 'super clubs' that are among the richest and most high-profile sports businesses in the world. It examines changing attitudes towards homosexuality in professional football. The book also explores the effect that the English Premier League has had outside England.
