Champagne Football is the Irish sports book of the year. It's also the Irish business book of the year and the Irish sports administration book of the year. The story of the rise and fall of John Delaney is perfect for cinema and co-author Mark Tighe told us that there have already been enquiries into the book's theatrical rights.
We desperately hope to see the Champagne Football on the silver screen some day. With that in mind, we've decided to cast a film for its future directors.
Michael Douglas as John Delaney
As Gordon Gecko in Wall Street, Michael Douglas uttered the immortal line: 'greed is good'. He'd be the perfect man to play the former FAI CEO.
Joe Pesci as Martin O'Neill
There's an amazing scene in Champagne Football that details the thwarted efforts to get Martin O'Neill to some acting in a television ad, and it felt very Pesci to us.
Cillian Murphy as Saipan-Era Roy Keane
John Delaney made his name during the Saipan fiasco and the Champagne Football requires a strong performance from a man who can walk their dog with menace. No better man to deliver the Mayfield lilt than Cillian Murphy.
Michael Sheen as grizzled Roy Keane
Michael Sheen has played everyone from Tony Blair to Brian Clough and we think, in his current bearded state, he'd be ideal to play Roy as he's brought back to the FAI fold as Martin O'Neill's assistant
Sir Ian McKellen as Mick McCarthy
You need an actor with range and gravitas to take on the role of Mick McCarthy. Look no further than Gandalf himself.
Christian Bale as Mark Tighe
Mark Tighe's reporting on John Delaney's finances provide some of the most fascinating chapters of the book. Tighe's role is central to the story and the Champagne Football film needs a charismatic, educated hunk to play Tighe as the lead character.
Tom Hardy as Sepp Blatter
Sepp Blatter makes a cameo in Champagne Football after the Thierry Henry handball in Paris. In a movie with many surreal narrative points, why not have Tom Hardy as the former FIFA boss?
SEE ALSO: After The Fall Of John Delaney: An Interview With Mark Tighe
