Flat Earth FC is not just any football club — it represents one of the most controversial ideas in modern society, the flat earth conspiracy theory. The club was founded by Javi Poves, a former professional footballer disillusioned by the world of professional sports and capitalism. His goal? To challenge the norms and spark a global conversation by aligning his club with the flat earth movement.
Javi Poves’ Unconventional Journey
Before founding Flat Earth FC, Poves was a promising young footballer. He made his La Liga debut for Sporting Gijón in 2011, but after just one appearance, he decided to retire at the age of 23. His reasoning was deeply rooted in a moral objection to what he saw as the corruption and greed of professional football.
Main Highlights:
- Former Clubs: Sporting Gijón, SS Reyes
- Retirement: 2011, after one La Liga appearance
- Philosophy: Strong opposition to capitalism and its role in football
Poves expressed his disdain for a system he felt thrived on exploiting others, particularly in developing countries.
“Football is only money and corruption. I don’t want to be part of a system based on people earning money at the expense of deaths in South America, Africa, and Asia,” he said.
The Birth of Flat Earth FC
After retiring, Poves traveled the world, but eventually returned to football in a different capacity. In 2016, he became the president of CD Móstoles, a club located just outside Madrid. Under his leadership, the club achieved promotion to Spain’s fourth division, and Poves decided it was time for a radical transformation. That’s when he renamed the club to Flat Earth FC, making it the first football club dedicated to a conspiracy theory.
Poves believed football, the world’s most popular sport, was the perfect platform to promote the flat earth movement. “Flat Earth FC is the first football club whose followers are united by an idea,” Poves stated. With this rebrand, he aimed to use the club as a tool to encourage people to question the world around them.
A Club Built on Controversy
Flat Earth FC embraces its unconventional identity, right down to its crest, which features a flat, circular image of the earth. The club’s mascot is even more unique: an astronaut, symbolizing the ongoing battle between flat earth believers and mainstream science.
The idea behind the rebranding isn’t just to play football, but to challenge societal norms and provoke thought. Players and fans alike are encouraged to discuss the idea that the earth is flat, questioning the information presented to them by authorities.
Key Features:
- Crest: Circular image of a flattened earth
- Mascot: An astronaut
- Fan Engagement: Fans encouraged to discuss and debate the flat earth theory
Flat Earth FC’s players have embraced the club’s philosophy. “It’s more than a club,” said Mario Cardete, one of the team’s players. For Poves, the goal is not only to build a successful football club, but also to shift people’s perspectives. As Rodrigo Fáez, a sports journalist, explained, “Poves tries to change everything in people’s minds.”
What’s Next for Flat Earth FC?
Flat Earth FC’s rebranding caused a stir, but it also garnered support from a dedicated group of followers. The club’s radical message continues to draw attention, making it a curious outlier in the football world. Who knows? In the future, we might see this controversial club standing shoulder to shoulder with the giants of Spanish football.
For now, Flat Earth FC is making waves, blending sport with philosophy, and challenging the very foundation of what a football club can represent.