World Cup Research Articles

Prestige and punishment: Status symbols and the danger of white elephants

This article identifies and unpacks the intrinsic potential for backlash in the pursuit of status symbols. While status loss has been associated with domestic pushback and reduced legitimacy for ruling governments, the literature on status is yet to examine how status-seeking can backfire even when a state can successfully claim to have acquired a status symbol. We contend that status backlashes are an inherent risk of status-seeking due to the multivocality of costly status symbols. Our heuristic framework for studying status backlashes proposes examining modes of critique that construe status symbols as irrational or unjustified costly endeavours, undermining their legitimating capacity and potentially even transforming them into a marker of stigma. Empirically, we identify three modes of critique present in reactions to Brazil’s hosting of the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. There, despite recognizing the symbolic value of hosting these mega-events, Brazilian audiences also criticized the government for the opportunity costs, vested interests and subservience that it entailed. Undertaking two shadow case studies – on the backlash against the United Kingdom’s renewal of its Trident nuclear weapons system and Norway’s engagement in military interventions between 1999 and 2012 – we document how these modes of critique associated with status symbols can travel across contexts.

Characteristics of potential head injury situations at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM.

This exploratory video analysis study aimed to review characteristics of potential head injury situations during a men's professional international football tournament. For 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ FIFA analysts used match footage to record all potential head injury situations. A potential head injury situation was defined as a player staying down for more than 5 s and/or requesting medical attention, and where the body impact location included the player's head. Characteristics were further recorded for match, player (i.e. player action including aerial duels), medical assessment, and outcome (e.g. substitution). Descriptive statistics are reported as well as Pearson's Chi-squared test (or Fisher's exact test) to explore potential head injury situations more likely to result in medical attention. In total, 149 potential head injury situations occurred in 56 matches (mean 2.33/match, range 0-6) involving 117 players. Eight matches resulted in no incidents. Aerial duels were the most frequent match characteristic leading to a potential head injury situation. Injury stoppage with on-pitch medical assessment occurred in 35 of the 149 potential head injury situations (23%), with pitch-side assessment also occurring in 15 situations (10%), resulting in four concussion substitutions. Players were more likely to require medical attention for potential head injuries sustained when the ball was loose (χ2 = 6.88; p = 0.038) when the injured player was jumping (FET p = 0.044) and for head-to-head contact (FET p = <0.001). Further exploration of aerial duels during match play which do and do not lead to potential and actual head injuries is recommended.

Retrospective Video Analysis of Orofacial Injuries during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Introduction: Football Association is the most practiced sport in the world. However, as a contact sport in which athletes are subject to impacts and injuries of different etiologies, the risk of orofacial injuries is high. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of orofacial injuries during the FIFA World Cup - Qatar 2022™. Materials and Methods: Video analyses were performed of all 64 games of the World Cup, with the determination of the quantity of orofacial injuries that occurred between players as well as the different types and characteristics of these injuries. The data were incorporated into a database and subsequently analyzed with the aid of the SPSS program (version 17.0). Results: At least one orofacial injury occurred in 96.87% of the games. The greatest incidence of orofacial injury was due to impacts. Four athletes used a face shield and only one used a mouthguard. Conclusion: The incidence of orofacial injuries was high among the players who participated in the 2022 World Cup and impact was the most frequent etiology of such injuries.

Mitigating the risk of tanking in multi-stage tournaments

AbstractMulti-stage tournaments consisting of a round-robin group stage followed by a knockout phase are ubiquitous in sports. However, this format is incentive incompatible if at least 2 teams from a group advance to the knockout stage where the brackets are predetermined. A model is developed to quantify the risk of tanking in these contests. The suggested approach is applied to the 2022 FIFA World Cup to uncover how its design could have been improved by changing group labelling (a reform that has received no attention before) and the schedule of group matches. Scheduling is found to be a surprisingly weak intervention compared to previous results on the risk of collusion in a group. The probability of tanking, which is disturbingly high around 25%, cannot be reduced by more than 3 percentage points via these policies. Tournament organisers need to consider more fundamental changes against tanking.

Examining the relationship between pre-sport mega-event programming and physical activity participation

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to examine if interest in the 2022 World Cup and planned engagement in the pre-Qatar World Cup programming influenced both current and future informal and formal physical activity.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered using a survey conducted eight months prior to the World Cup, analyzing responses using four 2 × 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) models. These models assessed the relationship between interest in the World Cup and planned engagement in pre-event activities with current and future formal and informal physical activity levels.FindingsThe findings of the current study suggest that engagement in sport programming pre-World Cup did not moderate the relationship between interest and physical activity. Engagement appears to play a direct role in physical activity, aligning with engagement theory, whereas interest plays a more direct role in spectator consumption. This highlights the importance of programming initiatives in enhancing physical activity, which is a critical aspect of the social impact of sport mega-events.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only focused on the residents of Qatar, and it may not be applicable to the future residents and location of the World Cup. Thus, further research should be conducted to see if this phenomenon can be observed and will exist in other host countries as well as with other sport mega-events. Additionally, our study was quantitative; it is suggested to perform a qualitative or mixed methods approach with a large sample size to obtain a more descriptive analysis that adds more depth to the connection between interest, engagement and physical activity of hosting a sport mega-event.Practical implicationsThe study’s implications suggest that host countries and event organizers can significantly impact residents’ physical activity by creating environments and opportunities that align with their intrinsic needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness. For host countries and event organizers, these findings underscore the importance of pre-event planning, particularly in developing sports infrastructure, facilities and initiatives. Participating in sport programs can reflect positively on the economy by reducing healthcare and social service use, as well as increasing social engagement. Policymakers can leverage these findings to develop comprehensive strategies that promote physical activity in conjunction with sport events.Social implicationsThis study highlights the importance of programming initiatives in enhancing physical activity, which is a critical aspect of the social impact of sport mega-events. By leveraging pre-event programming, host countries can address public health concerns and enhance social well-being. The findings suggest a positive relationship between sports programming engagement and increased physical activity among residents, contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.Originality/valueThe findings of this study will contribute to the literature and advance our knowledge regarding the relationship between hosting a sport mega-event and physical activity participation by understanding pre-event impacts. This research offers valuable insights for event organizers and policymakers, highlighting the importance of fostering environments that motivate active participation and contribute to the long-term health and vitality of communities.

The Economic Footprint Of The FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is a premier global sport, since its inception in 1930, on the 15th of December. The World Cup event has substantial economic implications for its host countries. This study examines the economic footprint of the FIFA World Cup by targeting three key components: immediate benefits, long-term economical impacts, and associated challenges. The research incorporates economic data and impact assessments to offer insights into the complex balance of costs and benefits associated with the FIFA World Cup. Objectives of the Paper: At the outset, this research paper highlights the instant financial gains, such as increased tourism, which boosts local spending in businesses, hotels, and restaurants. The influx of visitors also generates short-term employment possibilities, providing temporary economic boosts. The analysis then turns to the long-term effects, observing that hosting the World Cup can lead to significant infrastructure development, including stadiums and transportation systems, which enhances urban development and quality of life. Additionally, a successful World Cup can improve the host city’s global footprints, possibly attracting future investment and tourism. However, the study also delves into the challenges involved. An overall cost of hosting, including construction, management, and security, can be substantial, sometimes outweighing the immediate benefits. Post-event periods can be complex, with decreased economic activity and maintenance costs for new infrastructure. Case studies of consecutive FIFA world cups including South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, and Russia 2018 are examined to provide a balanced perspective of the varied experiences of different host nations. In final analysis, while the FIFA World Cup can bring significant economic benefits and long-term development, it also presents considerable financial challenges. The findings underscore the need for careful planning and management to optimize the event’s positive impacts and address possible drawbacks, providing essential lessons for anticipated host cities and nations.1

Differences in technical performance of heading between men and women football players in FIFA World Cup 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ matches

Differences in technical performance of heading between men and women football players in FIFA World Cup 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ matches

Menstrual health characteristics, knowledge, and perceived effects on performance in female athletes competing at the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

Menstrual health characteristics, knowledge, and perceived effects on performance in female athletes competing at the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

Supplements, Training And Recovery Aids Used By 2022 Masters Field Hockey World Cup Participants

Supplements, Training And Recovery Aids Used By 2022 Masters Field Hockey World Cup Participants

Endoscopic Treatment of Proximal Vastus Lateralis Myo-Aponeurosis Rupture in a Professional Skier: A Case Report.

We present the case of a 33-year-old World Cup giant slalom skier treated by endoscopically assisted proximal vastus lateralis (VL) release for persistent lateral thigh pain, due to a VL proximal myo-aponeurosis rupture. At the completion of rehabilitation, he was able to return to Olympic-level competition following surgery and was still symptom free at the 3-year follow-up. The unusual location of this injury and the symptoms and physical examination are of interest. The endoscopic release of the VL proximal insertion allowed a rapid and lasting result with a return to competitive skiing at an elite level.

Implementation of a mixed-methods heat acclimation programme in a professional soccer referee before the 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar: a case study

ObjectivesThis case study reports the real-world practicalities of implementing a mixed-methods heat acclimation (HA) programme before the 2022 FIFA World Cup.MethodsOne male English soccer referee (age: 44 years; height: 1.82...

Analysis of match performance of elite soccer players across confederations during the Men’s and Women’s World Cup

ABSTRACT This study aimed to benchmark and analyze match performance of elite soccer players from various confederations during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (Men’s WC) and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 (Women’s WC). A total of 128 matches were analyzed using an optical tracking system (n = 1,351 player observations). Players from various national teams were categorized into their respective confederations: Europe (UEFA), South America (CONMEBOL), North/Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF), Africa (CAF) and Asia and Oceania (AFC/OFC). Generalized Linear Mixed Models and Linear Mixed Models were employed to assess performance differences between confederations. Data revealed that CONMEBOL players in the Men’s WC covered less total distance than UEFA players (p = 0.0396; ES = 0.6). However, no differences were found in high-intensity running and sprinting distances across confederations in both tournaments. UEFA players in both competitions typically demonstrated superior technical/tactical performances. In particular, UEFA players in the Women’s World Cup made more passes, had 7–16% higher pass completion rates and achieved 10–15% greater line break completion rates compared to those from CAF, CONCACAF and AFC/OFC (p < 0.0001 to p = 0.0199, ES = 0.5–1.3). These findings suggest that UEFA players may possess a tactical/technical edge in international competitions. However, caution should be exercised when interpreting data due to high variations within confederations. This is the first comprehensive study describing match performance between confederations during the Men’s and Women’s WC, providing valuable insights into the physical and technical/tactical aspects of elite soccer.

The Bright and Dark Sides of Sports Interpreting in Iraq: Football Interpreting as an Example

With the rapid increase in international matches, such as the Olympic Games, World Cup by FIFA, Arab or Gulf Cup events the demand for interpreting becomes very necessary, as through this activity players can connect with viewers around the world, this is on the one hand, and on the other, through which they can instantly obtain their instructions. After the war in 2003, the participation of Iraqi athletes in international competitions and the recruitment of foreign coaches flourish. This new situation urges policy designers to strategically plan to offer qualified interpreters to ensure ideal communication between the players and their coaches and between them and the international audience. The status quo, however, is very frustrating: the number of Iraqi qualified interpreters can relatively be visible (for the ordinary observers) as there are no specialized academic or non-academic institutions that offer the requirements. This lack has opened the door for non-professional interpreters to carry the task leading not only to fragmented communication but also to deform the perception of this profession. This study sheds light on this particular area. It solely adopts the participant-oriented method offered by Saldanha and O’brein (2013). The research instrument is a carefully-designed questionnaire which is presented to a sample of thirty professional interpreters. The study findings emphasize that the status quo of sports interpreting in Iraq is discouraging because of some obstacles, such as the absence of specialized interpreting training facilities and monitoring institutions.

International sports federations as de facto lawmakers: Queer-feminist explorations of the gendered power of sports law

Abstract This article analyses the law-making power of international sports federations, with a specific focus on their authority of shaping global norms on gender. It explores a variety of international sporting rules from feminist and queer perspectives. These include the ban of rainbow armbands at the 2022 FIFA (Men’s) World Cup, rules on the participation of transgender persons in rugby, gendered and racialized uniform regulations in sports, and the Semenya case concerning the sports participation of women with variations in sex characteristics The analysis asserts that despite being non-state actors, international sports federations are de facto international lawmakers that disseminate hegemonic gender norms reflecting cis-hetero-sexism and white body norms. However, analysing the Semenya case and the decision of the Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights in the case shows that the law-making power of international sports federations in shaping gender norms is not absolute but embedded in a transnational network of norms. The article concludes that subjecting international sports federations to a feminist, queer, and anti-racist legal analysis assists in understanding how hegemonic norms on gender circulate transnationally and enhances knowledge on how international law works in practice.

DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRACY AND GENDER EQUALITY: CASE STUDY OF THE 2023 WOMEN'S SOCCER CUP IN SOCIAL AUDIT AND CITIZEN TRANSPARENCY

This article aims to analyze deliberative democracy, based on Jürgen Habermas' theory, applying it to the context of public and private entities, with a focus on gender equality in the 2023 Women's Football World Cup. The article will present a replicable model of social auditing, integrating Habermas' communicative rationality with the guidelines of the Brazilian Courts of Auditors. A connection will also be established between communicative rationality and administrative practices for the management of complex systems, since they share foundations of validity, correctness, sincerity, and truthfulness. The questions are based on the reports produced by the international media during the mega-event, using gender inequality as a category. The central argument lies in measuring the permeability of democratic civic common sense and identifying barriers to communication and effective engagement. The article seeks to contribute to citizen education and the integration of theory and practice in the face of the challenges of participatory democracy. The research presents two important results, the first confirms recent research on gender inequality in sport, as media coverage demonstrated disparities in women's football, and the second is the failure to comply with the rules of citizen transparency of sports entities.

Enhancement of Communicable Disease Surveillance During FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™: A Legacy

Background Communicable disease surveillance in Qatar was expanded and improved to adapt to the demanding requirements during the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup Qatar 2022™. This article documents Qatar’s surveillance enhancements to support future mass-gathering preparedness strategies. Methods The notification enhancement project (NEP) and the mass gathering – early warning, alert, and response system (MG-EWARS) project were executed to intensify communicable disease surveillance. Global public-health intelligence was monitored using Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS). A unified command oversaw all surveillance activities, assessed risks, and made decisions. Results The surveillance system detected and responded to public health threats effectively. The NEP increased disease notifications from healthcare workers by 214%. The EIOS screened ~300,000 articles, identifying three major health events. The MG-EWARS Cell provided daily situational analysis to stakeholders, including insights from indicator-based, event-based, and sentinel-syndromic surveillance. Conclusion The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar successfully implemented novel projects and activities to enhance surveillance of infectious diseases during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Early and research-driven planning, use of the latest technology, appropriate training programs, and prudent allocation of resources were the key strategies employed.

Forecasting thermal stress for sports tourists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This study explores thermal stress conditions (i.e. heat, humidity, sunlight exposure) sports tourists can expect when attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sports tourism's growth is driven by international mega-events like FIFA World Cups and Olympic Games. With planning ongoing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup football (soccer) tournament, what remains unstudied are the heat conditions spectators can expect at the 16 host stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The inquiry is important considering (1) the tournament is taking place in warm-weather months of June and July, (2) thermal stress contributes to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, and (3) many destination-bound tourists will be at elevated risk to heat. Accordingly, we report historical and forecasted thermal stress levels documenting expected conditions at each host stadium. Notably, forecasts indicate worsening thermal stress compared to long-term means, providing support for the study's methodology. Practical implications and limitations are provided.

A comparative study of biomechanical variables between the stages of performing the skills (Blanik) and (Lu Yu Fu)On the jumping platform for the player qualifying for the final of the World Cup series in Qatar

The idea of ​​the research came from the performance of one of the players who qualified for the final of the World Cup series in gymnastics held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, for the year 2023-2024 on the vaulting platform. In the individual final of the apparatus, this player performed two skills, the first was the “Blank” skill and the second was the “LuYuFu” skill. The two skills are different only in terms of direction. The first skill is performed while facing the device, that is, in the front direction, while the second skill is performed by the player from the back direction. Here, the research was done to find out what differences will appear in the biomechanical variables between both skills, and on the basis of dividing the movement stages, which is the vault table strike, then the first flight, then the push on the platform, then the second flight, and finally the landing. The performance of the player was photographed from the side with a camera with a speed of 240 images/second, perpendicular to the path line of the motor performance of both skills. And during his role, as being in the fifth place in the championship of the individual apparatus, after which motor analysis procedures were carried out using the MaxTRAQ program and the biomechanical variables common to the two skills were adopted according to the technical division for the performance stages on vault table. A comparison was made between the values ​​of the variables according to each stage between the two skills, through which we noticed a difference in the body position at the vault strike through the distance and speed of landing on the vault table, which was reflected in the force of the strike. The results were in favor of the first skill, as is the case with the first flight, and the reason for this is due to the fact that The player will resort to change his direction in the second skill in order to do the Arabian jumb, i.e. half turn, to land on the platform to prepare for the second push and flight. As for the second stage of flight and landing, it was in favor of the second skill because when landing, the body is facing the horse, while in the first skill, the player’s back is facing the horse. The process of adjusting the back landing is better than adjusting the front landing, with the exception of the deviation that occurred at the end of the skill due to the body twist over the vault table. Keywords: biomechanical variables, performance stages, (Lu Yu Fu), (Blank), vault table, qualified player for the final, World Cup series in Qatar.

Data science approach to simulating the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at a website in tribute to Maradona

Data science approach to simulating the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at a website in tribute to Maradona

Analyzing World Cup Impact Through an Evolutionary Optimization Approach Based on Sentiment Polarity with Pre-trained Word Embeddings

Analyzing World Cup Impact Through an Evolutionary Optimization Approach Based on Sentiment Polarity with Pre-trained Word Embeddings