Business Daily

Earlier this year, Manchester City midfielder Rodri issued a warning that players were "close" to taking strike action over their increased workload.

Rodri played 63 competitive games for club and country last season. But a recent report found that a player welfare 'red line' was a maximum of between 50 and 60 matches per season, depending on a player's age.

Some of the game's biggest names have joined Rodri in threatening to walk out, and the union that represents them is launching legal action against the sport's governing body, FIFA.

But there's a lot of money invested in football, so what's the likelihood the sport might change to stop players feeling over-stretched? And is strike action likely or even possible?

(Picture: Empty stadium with floodlights shining down on a football on the pitch. Credit: Getty Images)

Presented and produced by Matt Lines

We find out why, in a country famous for championing gender equality, some women are choosing to become stay-at-home wives and girlfriends.

The social media #softgirl trend is a small but growing minority, who say they do not want the stress of juggling family and work. They want a 'softer' life - with more balance and not having to focus on a career. It has triggered cultural and political debates across Sweden where feminism has been a part of mainstream politics since the 1950s.

Producer/presenter: Maddy Savage

(Image: Vilma Larsson)

Ghana is a global gold mining powerhouse and Africa's biggest producer.

The informal mining sector of gold – known locally as “galamsey” - is a big election issue here. There have been recent marches demanding tougher action against illegal miners in Accra. But illegal mining is also a major source of employment. More than a million Ghanaians make their living from galamsey.

We hear from local galamsey miners and look at the negative impact this industry is having on both the workers in terms of health, the environment, and the wider community.

(Picture: Man holding a bucket in an open-pit gold mine in Ghana.)

Presented and produced by Ed Butler

In the first of a two part series ahead of Ghana’s presidential election, we are in Accra asking how much the economy is influencing how people vote.

The country has faced one of Africa’s worst financial crises in recent years, and the recovery seems to be underway, but is this translating to how workers and business owners feel?

There are 13 presidential candidates, and we hear from representatives of the two front runners. We find out about their plans for the economy.

Produced and presented by Ed Butler

We speak to the great-grandson of the Italian coffee legend, about growing a family business into a global brand, balancing tradition with innovation, and even a light-hearted clash with Emily in Paris.

(Picture: Giuseppe Lavazza at the company's coffee production and training facility in Turin, Italy. Credit: Getty Images)

Presented and produced by Leanna Byrne

Advent calendars have evolved from the simple cardboard doors or chocolate treats to a multimillion-dollar premium industry; with major companies using them as a powerful brand awareness tool.

We find out why the design of an advent calendar is more important than ever, with many retailers investing in appearance and reusability; and we hear from environmental groups who are still concerned about the amount of waste.

Plus - are the products in these more extravagant calendars actually worth the money?

(Picture: An apartment window decorated with advent calendar and traditional electric Christmas candlestick. Credit: Getty Images)

Presented and produced by Deborah Weitzmann

In the run up to the US election, prices of food, gas and housing were never far from voter’s minds.

We head to Pennsylvania where food prices have risen faster than anywhere in the US to find out what it’s like for people day-to-day.

And we look at what President-elect Donald Trump has said he could do to help people.

Will it work?

Presented and produced by Monica Miller

We’re in Delhi, looking at the impact of extreme pollution levels on workers and businesses in recent weeks.

Non-essential trucks have been banned from going into the city, and offices have asked 50% of staff to work from home.

Local markets, cafes and restaurants, as well as shopping malls, have seen a 20-30% decline in foot traffic.

Meanwhile labourers, rickshaw pullers, delivery riders and other workers paid a daily wage, have no choice but to go outside to earn a living.

In neighbouring Pakistan, air pollution has also far exceeded safe levels. We hear how people in Lahore are coping.

Presented and produced by Devina Gupta

We look at England and Wales' new cricket format - which is now up for sale.

The one hundred ball format was designed to attract news fans to the game. Each team is tied to a UK city or region and the first tournament was held in 2021.

Now the organisers are selling a 49% stake in each of the teams, and they're hoping to attract Indian investment, liked to the IPL.

So will it pay off?

Produced and presented by Alex Capstick

(Image: Jofra Archer bowling during The Hundred Men's Final at Lord's, London in August 2024. Credit: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

The legendary sprinter revolutionised athletics with his unique running style and record-breaking performances.

Michael Johnson is a four-time Olympic gold medallist who earned millions of dollars through prize money and sponsorships.

Now he's back with a plan to transform athletics with the Grand Slam Track league — a new competition featuring a $12.6 million prize fund.

He's hoping it will elevate financial opportunities for today's athletes and ignite inspiration for future generations.

Produced and presented by Sam Fenwick.

(Image: Michael Johnson carries the American Flag after winning gold in the Men's 200m during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Credit: Mike Hewitt /Allsport/Getty Images)