A Game of Politics? International Sport Organisations and the Role of Sport in International Politics

Recent events such as the exclusion of Russian teams from international competitions following Moscow’s invasion Ukraine, well debate on Qatar hosting 2022 World Cup, have once again reignited over relationship between sport and politics. From athletes displaying political symbols to states vying exclude their rivals major tournaments, strong connection politics in arena is evident. International Sport Organisations (ISOs) play a central role connecting global system. Larger organisations (and particularly mega sports Olympic Committee FIFA), despite claim neutrality, are important actors that frequently use influence leverage arena. In particular, significant played by FIFA Cup bids its recent involvement Israeli-Palestinian issue demonstrates impossibility being politically neutral an ISO.