The so-called beautiful game may feel like an inescapable nightmare for some over the next four weeks. But do not fear, there is plenty to keep you occupied and there is no need to watch a ball being kicked at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
For those who are left cold by the seemingly relentless bombardment of footy coverage and conversation there is plenty of alternative amusement to keep you occupied - including a dishy drawing class that's guaranteed to get you hot under the collar.
Hopkinson's Gallery, in Station Street, is one of several football free zones across the city that are flying the flag for Nottingham's World Cup widows and widowers by not playing ball with Brazil 2014.
Every Wednesday the vintage wonderland will be hosting a steamy life-drawing class where amateur artists can get to grips with the human form with only an easel to spare their blushes.
Happy in her football free haven, Hopkinson's shop assistant, Sophie Gargett, 25, says the only thing close to a ball in the boutique is an antique globe.
She said: "It's a bit of a different world in here, you don't feel like you are in any particularly century or time zone so it really is a million miles away from groups of men chanting football songs.
"I guess I'm quite lucky that I don't really have any friends or family that watch the football. My dad sometimes does but he fell asleep during the last game.
"I really don't think it would be much fun to work somewhere showing it, having to watch it all the time, although you never know it may convert me."
The classes, which cost £5 per session, take place between 6pm and 7.30pm, when a tutor is on hand to guide any novices, and then between 8pm until 9.30pm, when budding Di Vinci's are left to their own devices.
To coincide with the arty evenings the gallery will be open for late-night shopping until 9.30pm, and for those who would like to get creative with fewer blushes there is an art workshop on June 25 at The Sumac Centre, in Gladstone Street, Forest Fields.
Miss Gargett said: "It's a fantastic evening which is great for anyone trying to avoid the football, lots of boxes full of creative bits and bobs – last week we were painting with feathers."
On the other side of the city, in Hockley, The Jam Café's managing director, Chris Whateley, 29, has promised that it will be business as usual, with live music filling the venue every weekend - without a rendition of Three Lions in earshot.
Mr Whateley said: "I'm going to be following the World Cup but working here I'll just be catching up with it the next day. I won't be checking the scores on the phone under the counter or anything, it's not the be-all-and-end-all.
"We will be having our open mike night every Tuesday as well, and anyone who wants to get involved just has to turn up and put their name on the list – everyone is welcome."
And for the couple, or friendship group, whose interest in the game is divided the Broadway cinema's bar and café has provided the perfect solution.
General manager Tom Lawton, 27, said: "We will be showing the games in the café downstairs but the terrace and meze bar upstairs will be completely football free.
"And anyone who comes to the meze bar to avoid the football can enjoy a two-for-one pizza offer."
He added: "I think the employees who want to watch the football will be making themselves known pretty soon so they can work downstairs and see the matches.
"It's nice to be able to work somewhere where you can keep tabs on the football score without it being too in your face."
Will you be avoiding the World Cup? get in touch: newsdesk@nottinghampost.com
