Jules Boykoff

Jules Boykoff is a professor of political science at Pacific University and the author of two books on the politics of soccer—Red Card: The 2026 World Cup, Sportswashing, and the FIFA Greed Machine and Kicking, a memoir—as well as six books on the Olympics, most recently What Are the Olympics For?

The entrance to Centennial Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

Olympic Workers of the World Unite! Olympic Workers of the World Unite!

In the age of Covid-19, Olympic athletes across the globe are standing up to demand a bigger piece of the five-ring cake.

Apr 29, 2020 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

A man in a mask walks by an Olympic 2024 poster

A Bribery Scandal Hits the ‘2020’ Tokyo Olympics A Bribery Scandal Hits the ‘2020’ Tokyo Olympics

We now have even more evidence that the IOC is overseeing a thoroughly corrupt process.

Apr 1, 2020 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Olympic rings in Tokyo

The 2020 Games Are Postponed, but Should the Olympics Even Happen at All Anymore? The 2020 Games Are Postponed, but Should the Olympics Even Happen at All Anymore?

In the best of times, they bring debt, displacement, pollution, and hyper militarization. In the worst, they are a shocking waste of resources in the name of nationalistic fervor.

Mar 24, 2020 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

The Olympics Teeter on the Brink

The Olympics Teeter on the Brink The Olympics Teeter on the Brink

An upsurge of athletes and federations is forcing the IOC to consider postponement of this summer’s games.

Mar 23, 2020 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

A man wearing a facemask sits in front of a Tokyo 2020 advertisement

Why Haven’t the Olympics Been Canceled Yet? Why Haven’t the Olympics Been Canceled Yet?

What has been obvious to the rest of the sports world for days, if not weeks, still has not penetrated the ivory tower of the International Olympic Committee or the leaders in Japa...

Mar 18, 2020 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

People walk across a pedestrian crossing near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building adorned with signs promoting the 2020 Olympics.

The Coronavirus Exposes Why the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Should Be Canceled The Coronavirus Exposes Why the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Should Be Canceled

The Tokyo Olympics were already unsafe. Now, they’re even more so.

Mar 4, 2020 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Donald Trump Is the Ugly Face of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Donald Trump Is the Ugly Face of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Donald Trump Is the Ugly Face of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Trump has pledged to attack the unsheltered in Los Angeles as part of his Olympic efforts.

Feb 20, 2020 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Portland Timbers soccer game protest

A Soccer Game Becomes an Anti-Fascist Demonstration in Portland A Soccer Game Becomes an Anti-Fascist Demonstration in Portland

The Portland Timbers soccer fans defied Major League Soccer, team ownership, and fascism in one glorious night. 

Aug 26, 2019 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

In Tokyo, International Activists Demand ‘No Olympics Anywhere!’

In Tokyo, International Activists Demand ‘No Olympics Anywhere!’ In Tokyo, International Activists Demand ‘No Olympics Anywhere!’

They are raising their voices against the debt, displacement, and militarization that define the Olympic Games.

Jul 26, 2019 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

New National Stadium Tokyo

Is Fukushima Safe for the Olympics? Is Fukushima Safe for the Olympics?

A recent visit suggests that the repercussions of the 2011 nuclear disaster aren't over. 

Jul 25, 2019 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

x