Soccer

Four surveillance cameras hang inside a stadium.

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

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

A man holds a black sign with white font that says,

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

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks in front a sign that reads,

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 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 protest. Signs read.

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

Fans dressed in green hold a banner that says

The Portland Timbers Deny a Cover-Up. Fans Demand the Truth. The Portland Timbers Deny a Cover-Up. Fans Demand the Truth.

Questions remain as to whether the Portland Timbers management tried to convince the partner of a player to avoid pressing charges related to a domestic violence allegation.

Apr 13, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Portland Soccer Feels the Power of Protest

Portland Soccer Feels the Power of Protest Portland Soccer Feels the Power of Protest

A movement to remove franchise owner Merritt Paulson could send shock waves beyond the Rose City.

Mar 30, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

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