Adam Ashe

There is precedent for lineal championships. The Ranfurly Shield in New Zealand domestic rugby has garnered enough interest to create “Shield fever”, as Algie puts it. Ivory Coast, the current champions of Africa, are the present holders of the 'Unofficial Football World Championships' . This might come as a surprise to casual football fans but, as Algie explains, part of the joy of lineal competitions lies in their unpredictability.

by Daniel Gallan