FOOTBALL AGAINST WAR (AND A CALL FOR ZERO XENOPHOBIA)

⚽ In my Economics of Professional Soccer class this past week we analyzed and discussed the long-standing presence of football in Russia´s economy and the use of football as a geopolitical “soft power”. From Abramovich, to Gazprom, and FIFA.

🗺️ We also explored the fan experiences of being in Russia during the FIFA Men´s World Cup in 2018 which described the many encounters of hospitality, warmth, and passion among Russian people. The tournament enabled the world to see this often-missed side of Russian culture.

📢 Footballers speaking out, boycott of matches, and clubs retracting sponsorship deals are all necessary actions and statements against war. Showing yet again that sport is political.

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏿 Let´s remember, though, that while fans, clubs, and players stand together in opposition to war: Boris Johnson doesn´t represent all British people. Trump didn´t represent all Americans. The same is true for Putin and “all” Russian people.

#AgainstWar #AgainstXenophobia #Football #Politics #Humanity