Political Football – Why has the ‘beautiful game’ become so political?

The old saying that ‘sport and politics should not mix’ has never seemed more anachronistic. Sport is now replete with political activism and controversy: from the athlete activism of Marcus Rashford, Le Bron James, and Megan Rapinoe; to the reputed ‘sportswashing’ of Saudi Arabia’s human right abuses; or the charged debate on the inclusion of transgender athletes. As the predominant global media spectacle, football (or soccer) has been at the centre of this ‘sport politics’.

Join Dr Danny Fitzpatrick as he explores the reason why football is becoming more political in the 21st century. Instead of focusing on the right and wrongs of each individual debate, this session will analyse how political theory can help us answer this question. A more theoretically rich understanding of the political is ultimately needed to save the beautiful game from being engulfed by the culture wars.

This live event is free to attend and brought to you through a collaboration between Aston University and Café Artum at Hockley Social Club as part of the Society matters LIVE series.

The talk will begin at 17:30 with doors opening to the venue from 17:00.