International Sports Research Articles

‘Reimagining’ gender equality in media coverage?: feminist frameworks in European and Olympic portrayal guidelines

European entities (such as the European Union, European Commission, Council of Europe, and the European Broadcasting Union) published several reports between 2019 and 2022 that addressed gender representation in sports media. Drawing on multiple types of sources, including peer-reviewed research, the reports make recommendations for gender balance and gender equality in media coverage pertaining to national-level and international sports. This study analyzes four such documents to identify how research informs recommendations. First, the study examines citation practices in terms of authors’ location and data scope to observe that the guidelines draw primarily on research based in the United States, while omitting data from several regions of Europe. Then, guided by feminist storytelling as a framework, we analyse which feminist concepts circulate in media guidelines. The guidelines use systematic reviews to address gender inequalities in coverage, draw on intersectionality without specific references to theory, and recommend a gender-mainstreaming approach in production practice. We highlight studies that would address asymmetrical citation practices and epistemological gaps in portrayal guidelines and propose future directions for feminist sport media studies and sociology of sport research. A transnational feminist approach would be useful in avoiding universal recommendations while making connections between local particularities and global patterns.

A scoping review of sport organisations’ accountability

ABSTRACT Purpose/Rationale Stakeholders of sporting organisations have expressed a myriad of concerns regarding sport organisations’ accountability. Despite growth in the literature, a review and examination of this scholarship remains missing. This paper provides a scoping review on the accountability of sport organisations, and in doing so, map the research field and determine future research opportunities. Design/Methodology/Approach Based on the scoping review guidelines of Arksey and O'Malley (2005), four databases were comprehensively searched. Following a thorough search process, 44 articles relating to sporting organisation accountability were reviewed. Findings Our analysis reveals a dominance of conceptual and theoretical-based studies with a varied approach to accountability, and evidently a pre-eminence of case study methodologies and lack of explicit theoretical perspectives. International sport organisations, national sport organisations, and government agencies were among the most studied. Practical implications Future studies should pursue an integration of discourses, and greater generalisability among organisations. This has the potential to strengthen the theoretical perspectives and guide research that improves accountability practices of sport organisations. Research contribution We have mapped the sport organisation accountability literature, as well as identifying research gaps to direct future research. Overall, the results reveal sport organisations’ accountability is a nascent topic with unrealised interdisciplinary potential.

THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN OPTIMIZING AND AUTOMATING MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES IN OLYMPIC AND PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

In the given scientific inquiry, the problem of utilizing artificial intelligence tools for optimizing and automating management processes in professional and Olympic sports management is examined. Considering the realities, managers of sports clubs, public organizations, and professional sports associations often juggle coaching and managerial duties, leading to compromised task execution due to time constraints and excessive paperwork. It has been identified that managerial work demands continuous education and enhancement of personnel management skills, encompassing not only quality control of duties performed by sports association or club members, but also personnel selection, adaptation, training, initiation, and implementation of cutting-edge technologies and work methods. A significant portion of these tasks can be delegated to artificial intelligence processing, which, when properly utilized, can alleviate managers from 60% of paper and routine work, resulting in even more precise and thorough automation. Consequently, managers would have more time to focus on managerial tasks requiring indispensable human qualities, experiential wisdom, and interpersonal communication. This approach is particularly pertinent to sports management, as sports managers are the professionals who amalgamate professional work skills with athletes, coaches, parents, governmental representatives, and investors. The invaluable experience and expertise of sports managers significantly influence the development and deepening of Ukrainian and global sports. By characterizing methods of utilizing artificial intelligence tools in professional and Olympic sports management processes, strategies for optimization in sports management were examined to analyze and identify ways to enhance working conditions for sports managers, especially in professional and Olympic sports. The objective is to create conditions for the development of domestic and international sports, optimizing the performance of coaches and personnel in sports associations and public organizations.

Sentiment Analysis on the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina Using Support Vector Machine

The decision made by FIFA regarding the selection of the soundtrack and the host country for the FIFA U-20 World Cup has sparked emotional reactions among the public and raised concerns about the event, especially on social media platform X. This is due to FIFA’s decision to choose a soundtrack not from the host country, Argentina, but from the previous host, Indonesia. FIFA should advocate for the creation of a soundtrack by the host country to reflect its distinctive characteristics or atmosphere. Concerns about the U-20 World Cup in Argentina have also been fueled by the country’s economic crisis, which is feared to affect the facilities and infrastructure for the young players representing their nations. This research focuses on filtering public responses to FIFA’s decisions regarding the soundtrack selection and the host country for the U-20 World Cup into positive, neutral, and negative categories using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) method. The research aims to provide policy recommendations regarding the host selection process and cultural representation in international sports events. Additionally, this study is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the preferences and values held by the public regarding international sports. The research steps include data collection, pre-processing, labeling, weighting, and classification using a Support Vector Machine. The data for this research were obtained through crawling on social media platform X, totaling 2400 data points. The performance evaluation of the SVM algorithm using a 50:50 ratio of training and testing data yielded an average accuracy of 85.71%, Precision of 85.98%, Recall of 85.71%, and F1-score of 85.58%.

Examining the Relationship between International Sports Organizations and Sports Awareness

The focus of this study is to look into the relationship between international sports organizations and sports awareness, taking into account factors such as gender, education level, individual engagement with sports, and family involvement. The research study group comprised 168 individuals, 77 female and 91 male, who were picked utilizing an easily available selection technique. The study used a personal information form developed by the researcher, an Attitude Scale towards International Sports Organizations, and a Sports Awareness Scale. The data was descriptively evaluated using the independent samples T-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson Correlation analysis, and SPSS 25.0 software. The t-test results revealed a significant difference in attitudes towards sports awareness based on gender (p<.05). One-way ANOVA analysis revealed substantial variations in attitudes towards international sports organizations and sports awareness based on education level, relationship with sports, and family interest in sports (p<.05). The correlation analysis used to explore the relationship between the participants' opinions towards international sports organizations and their degrees of sports awareness found a high positive correlation. According to the study's conclusions, it is necessary to host more international sports organizations and conduct research to raise public awareness in order to create sports consciousness.

Fandom as Method: Decolonising Research on Social Media Communications Through Chinese Transnational Fandoms of a Japanese Olympic Figure Skater

This paper focuses on international sports personality in figure staking Yuzuru Hanyu, who plays for Japan, and his transnational fandoms in China, to examine the politicisation of his evolving fandom during and after his performance at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Our contribution is to illustrate the value of analysing fandoms in the Chinese social media as a method that seeks to advance a decolonised approach to communication studies. This study uses digital ethnography to collect data and conducts critical thematic analysis to illustrate the complexity of socially mediated fandom debates and flames. Consulting interdisciplinary literature in sports fandom and communication, athletic branding, and political communication, we propose a fresh critical approach to Chinese communication studies, which we have conceptualised as “fandom as method.” We offer a case study to illustrate this critical approach, which we argue is a contribution to decolonising scholarship by promoting inclusivity of alternative approaches, in communication studies in the global south. “Fandom as method” can excavate new terrain, rather than simply adding to West-centric theoretical advances. Findings underscore that critically analysing the complex interplay between fans, anti-fans, and the authorities through “fandom as method” can reveal previously undetected communication patterns. More importantly, fandom as method can help us interrogate the nuances of communications situated within complex, dynamic, evolving patriotic and nationalistic social media discourses. This approach helps to explicate opaque clashes of “mainstremeist belief and action” in the name of patriotism and nationalism which, in the Chinese context, are subject to intervention from the authorities as the ultimate other. It reveals how social media activity politicises a sports personality, a fandom trend that seems likely to spill over into other spheres of the entertainment industry.

Cultural Diplomacy through Sports: Case Studies of International Sporting Events Promoting Diplomatic Relations

Purpose: This study sought to examine the relationship between international sporting events and cultural diplomacy. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to international sporting events and cultural diplomacy. Preliminary empirical review revealed that international sporting events played a crucial role in fostering diplomatic relations between nations. Through an analysis of various tournaments, including the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, the study found that sports served as a universal language, transcending cultural barriers and fostering mutual understanding. Effective coordination among stakeholders was highlighted as essential in maximizing the diplomatic potential of these events. The study emphasized the need for ongoing research and evaluation to refine strategies and address challenges, ultimately enhancing the diplomatic impact of sports on the global stage. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Soft Power theory, Constructivism and Network theory may be used to anchor future studies on international sporting events and cultural diplomacy. The study made several recommendations to advance theory, practice, and policy in sports diplomacy. It suggested that scholars refine theoretical frameworks to capture the complexities of cultural diplomacy through sports, while policymakers incorporate evidence-based strategies into diplomatic practice. Collaboration among stakeholders was encouraged to pool resources and share best practices, while integration of sports diplomacy into broader foreign policy agendas was deemed essential. Furthermore, inclusive and sustainable practices within sports organizations were recommended to promote diversity and social inclusion. Lastly, the study emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and capacity-building efforts within the sports diplomacy community to drive innovation and learning in the field.

The Impact of Mega Sports Events on the Strength of the National Soft Power: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract This article examines the strategic use of mega sports events as a means to enhance national soft power, exploring the complex interplay between international sports diplomacy and geopolitical influence. The study will examine how these events serve as means of economic and cultural diplomacy and also as platforms for global interaction through a comparative analysis of countries that include South Africa, Brazil, Russia, Germany, and Qatar. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research synthesizes the existing literature and case studies to provide information on the objectives, strategies, and outcomes associated with hosting such events. This study aims to contribute to the larger discussion on soft power and its effectiveness in the modern international arena by analyzing the complex effects of these mega events on national branding. It does this by providing a nuanced understanding of how major international sporting events can affect geopolitical dynamics and shape international perceptions.

The use of doping control data to administer sex-based eligibility regulations: an analysis of how the World Anti-Doping Agency and international sport federations violate data protection laws

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) provides that anti-doping organizations, such as international sport federations (IFs), may use data from a doping control test to monitor compliance with sex-based eligibility regulations that regulate the serum testosterone levels of transgender and intersex athletes. This contemplated use of doping control data has been incorporated into the regulations of several IFs and is facilitated by WADA’s Anti-Doping Administration Management System (ADAMS)—a web-based database managed by WADA in Canada that contains analytical results from doping control tests and is accessible by anti-doping organizations. WADA’s collection, use and disclosure of personal information through ADAMS is subject to Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This paper examines WADA’s non-compliance with PIPEDA when it discloses doping control data in ADAMS to an IF for the purpose of the IF’s administration of sex-based eligibility regulations, and how a complaint about WADA’s data disclosures might be handled by Canada’s Privacy Commissioner. The paper also examines the application of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation to IFs that seek to use doping control data stored in or outside of ADAMS to administer sex-based eligibility regulations. The paper concludes with the perspective that data protection laws can be used to challenge the implementation of sex-based eligibility regulations, alongside other human rights-based legal strategies.

Media aspects of the relationship between politics and sports using the example of the Russian Federation’s exclusion from international competitions

RELEVANCE. The relationship between politics and sports is a pressing issue, since political contradictions between states are reflected in sports. Major sporting events are not just competitions between athletes, but also fierce political struggles. Through professional sports with the help of various media technologies, it is possible to influence global society and achieve geopolitical results. The relationship between elite sports and politics is considered using the example of the exclusion of Russian sports from international competitions and materials about this in the media.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Materials from foreign media have been studied on the topic of removing Russia from big-time sports, depriving it of state symbols, removing Russian athletes from international competitions due to disagreement with the political course of the authorities of the Russian Federation, and the introduction of so-called sanctions in the field of sports. The study was based on a comparative historical method, which helps to consider the dynamics of the development of relations between Russian sports and the political course of Western countries. The theoretical basis was the work of domestic and foreign researchers of the history and theory of sports. Content analysis was also used to study materials from Russian and foreign media with the aim of determining the attitude of foreign states towards Russian sports and its oppression in the international sports arena from 2014 to 2024.RESULT AND DISCUSSION. An analysis of foreign media materials confirms that pressure on Russian sports is being exerted by Western countries due to their disagreement with the political course of the Russian Federation. An analysis of sources showed that Western media agree on the issue of sanctions against Russian sports: they support the introduction of restrictions against Russian sports, but at the same time they call such measures an instrument of geopolitics, an instrument of “containing Russia”. This confirms the politicization of sports through the media.CONCLUSION. Analyzing the content of publications in both foreign and Russian media, we can conclude that pressure on Russian sports and members of the Russian national team began to intensify after the victory of the Russian team in the team event at the Olympic Games in Sochi 2014 and after the Republic of Crimea joined the Russian Federation . After the Russian Armed Forces launched a special military operation in Ukraine, even more sanctions and restrictions were introduced against Russian sports, and Russia was actually excluded from international sports. The author believes that the pressure on Russian sports will only increase.

The Effect of University News Production Practices in Large Sports Events - A Study of Zhejiang Gongshang University's Coverage of the Hangzhou Asian Games from User/Producer Perspective

The Hangzhou Asian Games, a key international sports event in 2023, provides China with an opportunity to showcase its global standing, following the Beijing Olympic Games and Shanghai World Expo. Zhejiang Gongshang University's Culture and Sports Centre serves as the handball competition venue, with about 1,200 teachers and volunteers engaged across various Asian Games sites. Despite this, the university's media impact falls short compared to peers in Hangzhou with Asian Games venues. This research explores the news production practices of universities during large-scale international sports events, focusing on improving Zhejiang Gongshang University's media coverage and influence. Utilizing in-depth interviews and The Uses and Gratifications theory, the study analyzes news production related to the Asian Games on the university's official website, social media, and newspapers. Interviews include both producers and audiences of this news.Findings indicate a disconnect between media reports and the diverse needs of media users, with news production primarily driven by informational and promotional objectives. Recommendations include diversifying themes and forms of media coverage, enhancing creativity and interactivity, adopting a proactive and strategic approach to media communication, and leveraging new media platforms for more engaging content.

Student Leadership Qualities through Academic Sports Diplomacy and Qualities

This research investigates the field of academic sports diplomacy, with a specific emphasis on the leadership abilities and levels of involvement exhibited by student-athletes. By conducting a thorough analysis, this study reveals valuable insights regarding the evaluation of leadership skills in student-athletes across different dimensions. These dimensions encompass modeling the way, encouraging the heart, enabling others to act, challenging the process, and inspiring a shared vision. Furthermore, this study investigates the level of involvement of student-athletes in academic sports diplomacy. This includes activities such as student-athlete exchanges, international sports competitions, cultural sports exchange programs, international sports projects, and cross-country competitions. The research emphasizes a positive relationship between leadership abilities and involvement in sports diplomacy initiatives, emphasizing the significance of leadership training in promoting active engagement. Furthermore, this study illuminates important challenges encountered by student-athletes, including limitations on time, gaps in awareness, the necessity for skill development, the juggling of competing priorities, the importance of cultural comprehension, and the significance of collaborative efforts. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the creation of strategies and programs that aim to empower student-athletes in their role as effective representatives of sports diplomacy. These initiatives seek to foster cultural connections and inspire positive global transformations.

Политизация спорта в современном мире: правовой взгляд на проблему

The article is devoted to the definition of theoretical and methodological approaches to the proper legal assessment of the processes of politicization of elite sports in the modern world. The generally accepted principles of relations between the state and sports federations, key Olympic principles, conceptual provisions on sport as a specific socio-cultural activity are considered. An analysis has been made of the systemic discrimination occurring in recent years in Russian sports, the main reason being the unprecedented political pressure of the political leadership of some countries of the “collective West” on the International Olympic Committee, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the World Anti-Doping Agency, and international universal and regional sports federations. The author’s theoretical, methodological, scientific and practical proposals are formulated to overcome the politicization of world sports, and a model for the full implementation of Olympic principles in the decisions and actions of the International Olympic Committee and international sports federations in individual sports is proposed. The scale of the negative impact of the politicization of sports to ensure the rights of athletes, the efficiency and quality of sports competitions, and ensuring a non-discriminatory approach in world professional sports is shown.

Личный бренд студента-спортсмена как инструмент публичной дипломатии

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need and expediency of supplementing the competence of international activities with the competence of public sports diplomacy of specialists in physical culture and sports for productive participation in the implementation of international sports cooperation programs. The article complements the political, humanitarian, cultural prerequisites for the implementation of public diplomacy in the field of physical culture at the level of mass and amateur sports, recorded in international and Russian documents. The goals of public diplomacy in the field of youth policy and student sports are clarified, aimed at creating a positive image, business reputation and a productive personal and corporate brand. Based on the concept of “sports well-being”, the structure of its components and their content, the content of the phenomenon “personal brand of a student-athlete” is substantiated. The structure of the components of the personal brand of a student-athlete as an actor of public diplomacy was modeled. Methodology for designing a personal brand of a student-athlete is presented. Recommendations have been formulated for designing the content of the educational program of additional education, the advanced training course “Strategies, tactics and techniques of public diplomacy in the field of physical culture and sports”, integrating knowledge in the field of foreign policy, world sports, sociology, social psychology, intercultural communication, public relations and journalism, collectively necessary and sufficient to assume the social role of “actor of public sports diplomacy”.

Current sports safety problems in Ukraine and the world

The article is devoted to the analysis and assessment of current problems and challenges faced by sports in Ukraine and the world, in connection with global crisis processes that lead to profound social changes. In recent years, the issue of sports safety in the world has become more relevant against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in Ukraine due to military operations on its territory. Thus, security protocols are gradually undergoing changes and actions to ensure security of various levels are adapted to modern conditions. Safety instructions for mass sports events of various levels, orders of specialized services and ministries of various countries regarding the organization of events on their territory, government resolutions and laws regulating the safety of athletes, spectators and sports facilities were analyzed. Globalization processes are rapidly changing, which requires quick solutions without losing their quality. The topic of sports safety has become more relevant in recent decades. Sport is a global phenomenon that unites representatives of all social groups and strata. Although the official slogan of the international sports movement, which is supported by all its members, is: "Sports outside of politics", but at the same time, it is a powerful means of political influence and manipulation. History has seen many boycotts driven by political decisions in response to wrongful or military actions by one party against another. Everyone remembers the terrorist attacks committed at the Olympic Games and other international competitions. All this led to the intensification of the development of research in the field of sports safety. At the same time, sports competitions, especially international ones, attract the attention of a large number of spectators, which causes the desire of world political leaders, public figures, representatives of culture and art, etc. to participate in them.The study showed that the process of adaptation and response is imperfect and requires careful study and analysis, which determines the relevance of the topic.

Analysis of the implementation of the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia

This study aimed to analyze the evaluation of the implementation of the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia, where there was a transfer of hosts, and Indonesia agreed to organize the event following a 2-year hiatus. The research employed an evaluation method within the qualitative research category. Specifically, the study used the CIPP model for evaluation, with data collected through a questionnaire and observation. The CIPP assessment was conducted both during and at the end of the ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia in 2022. The population of this study comprised all Indonesian athletes who participated in the 2022 ASEAN Para Games in Bengawan, Indonesia. The research subjects included the NPC, KEMENPORA, PELATNAS, and the government, totaling 115 people. Based on the analysis, the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia in 2022, evaluated using the CIPP method, was successful. Content, input, process, and product evaluations all rated in the moderate category, with scores ranging from 66.7% to 93.3% across competition managers, managers and officials, coaches, athletes, and support personnel, indicating satisfactory performance. Overall, the evaluation results reveal that the implementation of the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia in 2022 was conducted quite well, adhering to the rules and standards for international sports events.

Development of an International Qualification Framework for the Strength and Conditioning Profession: International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement

In the profession of strength and conditioning (S&C), there is a need for a standardised, comprehensive framework that can allow for the alignment of international certifications, qualifications, and standards. This need stems from the lack of clarity surrounding the awarding levels of different governing bodies and organisations worldwide, as well as the increased connectedness of international sport and physical activity. Central to such a framework is understanding the current issues affecting S&C coaches,1 current professional standards and guidelines,2 and remuneration structures.3,4 As the sole dedicated international accreditation body, the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA)5 carried out market research analysis and stakeholder engagement with regional and international educational authorities (Ofqual, European Commission, UNESCO, USDE, CHEA, TEQSA, ASQA) to develop a global framework for the rating and awarding of S&C courses, certifications, and qualifications.

Comparative Analysis of Angles in the Spinshot Throws Towards the Goal in Beach Handball

Beach handball game is a dynamic sport with high intensity, conducted on a sand court. The inclusion of this sports branch in the Youth Olympic Games program in 2018 held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, elevated the profile of this international sports branch and underscores an increased need for a multitude of performance factors in this sport. The research aim. The research aim was to conduct a comparative analysis of the spinshot technique between an advanced player and a beginner, aiming to gather useful information regarding a technical profile for spinning shots in beach handball and to guide training for enhanced efficiency in this throwing technique. Objectives. Objectives encompassed the analysis of video recordings of two players concerning the angles between body segments and between the body and the ground at various moments during the execution of the technique. Methods and means. For the analysis of throws, video recordings of the executions were performed on two subjects, both beach handball players – one being an advanced player, and the other a beginner. To measure the parameters to be analyzed, including angular characteristics of body segments at key moments during the execution of the spinning shot technique, and the execution times of the two players, Kinovea software v 0.9.5 was utilized. Additionally, trajectory analysis and execution time were examined. Results. In the video analysis of the movement, the force generated by the players is not visible, but it aids in understanding the action and the effects of internal forces (muscle action) and external forces (gravity and friction) on the moving players. The discrepancy between the advanced and beginner players in achieving a half (180⁰) spin in the technical procedure of the spinsshot lies in the flight phase. Execution times are close between the two players, but video analysis revealed differences in the quality of their executions regarding the correct implementation of the spinning shot. Conclusions. The analysis results highlight significant differences in joint amplitude between the two players during spinning shot executions, potentially caused by insufficient muscle group strength, reduced joint mobility, or incorrect mastery of the throwing technique. Keywords: beach handball, spinshot, angles movement, kinovea

No Overactivism: Robert Lewandowski’s Use of Gentle Protest to Avoid National Political Backlash

The last few years have seen the return of athlete activism into major international sports events held worldwide as a mindset based on social responsibility and political freedom of speech has spread into the selfperception of many current top athletes. However, while these athletes may have experienced a recent personal transformation, the national political backlash accompanying activism remains set in a long tradition condemning political interference in sports. This article provides a background on the tradition of castigating political athlete activists, a theory on why and how national political backlash occurs, and evidence on the successful use of gentle activism to avoid such scenarios. The research examines a case study of Polish international footballer Robert Lewandowski’s ‘pointing the finger’ during a World Cup qualifier in 2022 to illustrate how alternative moderate forms of activism can be adopted. This study aims to introduce the term ‘overactivism’ into the politics of sport as a concept where the athlete prioritises retaining long-term political relevancy over maximising the political impact of a single event.

22 Players Run After the Ball for 90 Minutes, and in the End England Wins. German Views of the 1935 and 1938 Germany–England Football Matches

This article studies the politico-diplomatic dimension of the 1935 and 1938 Germany-England football matches played during the National Socialist era. Despite being represented in both countries as international friendlies, these games proved highly politicized affairs because of the centrality of the British-German relationship in international affairs and the politization and diplomatization of international sport during the 1930s. The 1935 game, played in London, became the focus for a high-profile public campaign, led by trade union, Jewish, and other lobbying groups hostile to Nazi Germany, to ban the match. In turn, the 1938 fixture is famed for the Nazi salute, the ‘infamous gesture’ that British diplomats and Football Association officials instructed the England team to give before the beginning of the match. Using the archives of the Auswärtiges Amt (Foreign Ministry) and Bundesarchiv (Federal Archives) as well as a selection of German newspapers, this article provides an informed German perspective on both matches, which hitherto have been studied principally from a British perspective. Focused upon German aims, perceptions, political influences, and propaganda goals, this case study highlights the ‘soft power’ methods of totalitarianism in terms of both the adaptation of totalitarianism to football and the adaptation of football to totalitarianism.