Part 2 of the series on the World Cup and Human Rights! 

FIFA receives a lot of criticism for prompting and enabling human right violations in FIFA World Cup host countries. Some of that criticism is well deserved, however, FIFA is disproportionally criticized. Hosting the World Cup also has positive impacts, but NGOs and the media tend to ignore them.

See my paper: https://wavingflag.net/articles

Music by Soundroll; "Lost in Love"

FIFA receives a lot of criticism for prompting and enabling human right violations in FIFA World Cup host countries. Some of that criticism is well deserved, however, FIFA is disproportionally criticized. Hosting the World Cup also has positive impacts, but NGOs and the media tend to ignore them. 

See my paper: https://wavingflag.net/articles

Music by Soundroll; "Lost in Love"

Mohammed Salah has had great success on the field for Liverpool F.C. but perhaps his impact off the field has been as important if not more important. He has had tremendous influence on the city helping decrease Islamophobic hate crimes and tweets. Go check out the study this podcast is based off of here: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/can-exposure-to-celebrities-reduce-prejudice-the-effect-of-mohamed-salah-on-islamophobic-behaviors-and-attitudes/A1DA34F9F5BCE905850AC8FBAC78BE58. 

Music by Soundroll; "Lost in Love"

In today's episode Andy McNeil walks us through the great work Blazesports does to help athletes with a physical disability compete at a high level. The insights he shares in our interview are impactful, and the work they do is even more so. Please visit Blazesports' website to see how you can help: https://blazesports.org/get-involved/ 

Music by Soundroll; "Lost in Love"  

The Olympics has a variety of initiatives with some more known that others. While you may have heard about the refugee team itself, there are 2 initiatives behind it that help drive the Olympics' goals. 

Music by Soundroll; "Lost in Love"

Good source for more information: https://olympics.com/ioc/news/the-ioc-refugee-olympic-team-a-team-powered-by-solidarity

In today's episode we cover a few stories from the Tokyo Olympics. The change in motto, the use of the phrase "Chinese Taipei", the Mao badges on the podium, Russia's TV coverage, and a heartwarming story are all covered. 

Music by Soundroll; "Lost in Love"

Good sources for more information: https://www.npr.org/sections/tokyo-olympics-live-updates/2021/08/02/1023610861/a-u-s-athlete-defies-olympic-podium-protest-ban-under-threat-of-sanctions; https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58029133; https://www.npr.org/2021/08/19/1029380896/toyko-olympics-poland-silver-medal-javelin-auction-infant-heart-surgery# 

In today's podcast we discuss the new legislation passed in Hungary that bans the portrayal of homosexuality for under 18s. Both the soccer world and Formula 1 had strong responses to this legislation and shed light on the issue.

Music by Soundroll; "Lost in Love"

Good sources for more information: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57761216; https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/a-disgrace-hungary-must-ditch-anti-lgbt-law-eu-executive-says-2021-07-07/; https://www.dw.com/en/euro-2020-germany-join-england-in-kneeling-protest/a-58084605; https://www.dw.com/en/uefa-denies-request-to-light-allianz-arena-in-rainbow-colors/a-57984014; https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/31935611/vettel-reprimanded-failing-remove-t-shirt-hungarian-gp

Today's episode covers two big political stories linked to the EUROs this summer. First, the investigation into Ukraine's new jersey for the EUROs which featured a somewhat contested map of Ukraine, and political slogans. The second story revolves around Rashford, Sancho, and Saka who received racist abuse on social media following their missed penalties in the EURO final. 

Key sources: 

Ukraine: 

Racist Abuse: 

Music: Lost in Love, Soundroll

Messi is in many people's eyes the best player to ever play the game, and for the first time ever, he will no longer be at FC Barcelona. He has signed for PSG and his signature is bound to have economic impacts beyond belief.

Music credit: Lost in Love, Soundroll

Website: wavingflag.net 

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In this episode we look at Kosovo's use of FIFA and UEFA membership. It demonstrates yet again the important and power of sport and soccer in politics.