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
The Best of Us: A Tribute to Grant Wahl The Best of Us: A Tribute to Grant Wahl
The great soccer writer never hesitated to speak truth to power, and his sudden death sent shock waves through the World Cup.
Dec 12, 2022 / Dave Zirin
The Qatar World Cup Ushers in a New Era of Digital Authoritarianism in Sports The Qatar World Cup Ushers in a New Era of Digital Authoritarianism in Sports
With drones, video cameras, facial recognition software, and undercover police, the tournament may be the most-surveilled sporting event ever.
Dec 8, 2022 / Karim Zidan
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
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
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
Merritt Paulson Must Go Merritt Paulson Must Go
It is past time for the soccer impresario to sell the Thorns and Timbers, and Portland would be the perfect city to install public ownership.
Oct 10, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff
The Bloody Money Trail From the Qatar World Cup to the LA Olympics The Bloody Money Trail From the Qatar World Cup to the LA Olympics
Qatar is a human rights nightmare, but LA power brokers preparing for the 2028 Olympics don’t seem to care.
Aug 10, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff
The Tragic Absurdity of Qatar’s World Cup Sportswashing The Tragic Absurdity of Qatar’s World Cup Sportswashing
Labor abuses, homophobia, corruption? Qatar and FIFA will use the men’s World Cup to put a happy gloss on it all.
Jun 21, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff
Portland Soccer Fans Assert Their Power Portland Soccer Fans Assert Their Power
Fans in the Rose City are bringing their protests inside the stadium.
Apr 26, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff