Jules Boykoff

Jules Boykoff  is a professor of political science at Pacific University in Oregon and the author of four books on the Olympic Games, most recently NOlympians: Inside the Fight Against Capitalist Mega-Sports in Los Angeles, Tokyo.

Should Israel’s Flag Be Raised at the Paris Olympics?

Should Israel’s Flag Be Raised at the Paris Olympics? Should Israel’s Flag Be Raised at the Paris Olympics?

How the IOC is penalizing Russia provides insight into how it could treat Israel at the 2024 Games.

Nov 21, 2023 / Jules Boykoff and Dave Zirin

A mural depicting Roberto Mancini and Mohammed bin Salman painted by aleXsandro Palombo outside the San Siro Stadium at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, September 19, 2023, in Milan, Italy.

Saudi Arabia Hosting the World Cup Is a Win for Sportswashing Saudi Arabia Hosting the World Cup Is a Win for Sportswashing

Though not yet official, Saudi Arabia has all but muscled out the only other real contender.

Nov 2, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

The Paris Olympics Are Developing a Familiar Stench

The Paris Olympics Are Developing a Familiar Stench The Paris Olympics Are Developing a Familiar Stench

A recent raid shows that the Olympic corruption follies aren’t going anywhere. 

Jun 27, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Policemen take part in a civil protection exercise at the Matmut Atlantique stadium.

Get Ready for AI Surveillance at the 2024 Paris Olympics Get Ready for AI Surveillance at the 2024 Paris Olympics

The Olympics don’t make authoritarian countries more democratic; they make democratic countries more authoritarian.

Jun 6, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

People demonstrate in Paris, France, on March 30, 2023

The Protests in France Are About to Collide With the 2024 Paris Olympics The Protests in France Are About to Collide With the 2024 Paris Olympics

Rage over Macron’s pension raids is feeding into anti-Olympic activism. But who will benefit: the French left or the racist right?

Apr 24, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Protesters near the State Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia

FIFA Shuns Indonesia Over Palestinian Solidarity FIFA Shuns Indonesia Over Palestinian Solidarity

There is no longer the pan-national solidarity needed for countries like Indonesia to stand up to FIFA.

Apr 12, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Wide shot of inside of World Cup stadium

The Big Winners of the 2022 World Cup? Qatar and Despots the World Over (and Messi) The Big Winners of the 2022 World Cup? Qatar and Despots the World Over (and Messi)

Even “sportswashing” that costs over $200 billion appears to be money well spent.

Dec 18, 2022 / Jules Boykoff and Dave Zirin

Soccer fans unfurl a flag that reads Free Palestine at the World Cup in Qatar.

Palestine: The Unexpected Star of the 2022 World Cup Palestine: The Unexpected Star of the 2022 World Cup

From player demonstrations to unfurled flags, Palestinian struggle has been visible and fearless at the World Cup. 

Dec 7, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Fans of German soccer team Sport-Club Freiburg display a banner about boycotting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar prior to a Bundesliga league match against FC Bayern München.

Will Players Help Raise Awareness About the Horrors Surrounding the World Cup? Will Players Help Raise Awareness About the Horrors Surrounding the World Cup?

We are seeing some people from the soccer world speak out about the Qatar World Cup. We need more.

Nov 16, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Portland Thorns women's soccer fans light a smoke bomb as part of a protest of the sex scandal in the National Women's Soccer League during a Thorns game against the Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park on November 14, 2021, in Portland, Oregon.

Is Portland About to Have Two Supporter-Owned Soccer Teams? Is Portland About to Have Two Supporter-Owned Soccer Teams?

Forcing a franchise owner to sell the team? Community ownership? It’s on the table for the raucous fans of the Portland Thorns and Timbers.

Oct 24, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

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