The 1940's

World War II caused a severe downturn in European football, but in South America, the game flourished because the best Latin players were no longer leaving for Europe. Argentinian and Brazilian football took off, while in Colombia, a mystical new league swimming in money popped up. The sport didn't cease to operate in Europe however. It still ran in neutral nations, and Britain had the Wartime League with participating clubs making use of any players they were able to find. Germany, too, had regional leagues and a national championship going, with military sides doing well. The overall quality of the game plummeted however, with many top players going off to battle, and clubs having to make do with poor facilities, or give their stadiums up to the war effort. Some British grounds were turned into air radar stations or prison camps. In addition, travel restrictions, fuel rations and the dangers of an incoming rocket or air raid kept most but the bravest fans away from games.