The Russian Pele: The Scandal of Eduard Streltsov | Part Two

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper look into the dark and controversial period of Streltsov’s life. In this second part we cover the heinous crime that Streltsov was accused of, the subsequent trial and conviction, and his years in the Gulag. Despite the damning evidence, Streltsov's eventual return to football and continued popularity are explored, along with the societal implications and unresolved questions surrounding his story. Join us for a detailed look at both the fall and unexpected resurgence of a man once considered the 'Russian Pele.’ This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse and rape, which some listeners may find distressing. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised, the NHS provides a list of support services and resources here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/help-after-rape-and-sexual-assault 00:00 A Dark Story Unfolds 00:31 The Accusation and Confession 04:50 The Aftermath and Public Reaction 05:40 Evidence and Forensic Details 07:05 The State's Role 08:22 Personal Struggles and Downfall 23:42 Speculations and Suspicions 26:14 The Case Against Streltsov 28:14 The Soviet State's Role 30:31 Marina's Disappearance 32:08 Life in the Gulag 40:15 Streltsov’s Return to Football 48:21 Legacy and Controversy 52:06 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.