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In many countries soccer isn’t just a sport it’s a way of life that permeates culture and daily life so much that it has even had an impact on politics and vice versa. If you get your soccer channels through satellite tv service and the like then you probably know what I’m talking about. Throughout history some truly epic political statements have been made, spurred on by the sport and, in some cases, even decided upon based on the outcome of a game. Below are a few of the more pivotal moments in history where soccer, or football as they know it, was involved.

Algeria’s Bid for Freedom in 1958
Halfway through the Algerian’s War of Independence, the French national team tried to enlist the aid of some of the top strikers from the Algerian teams. Needless to say the offer was promptly snubbed as the Algerian players chose their national identity over the chance to play for the French.

Zaire players fight for their life in 1974
Some countries see losing in soccer as a form of national humiliation and that’s how President Mobutu viewed the impending loss against Brazil. This prompted Ilunga Mwepu, Zaire’s right-back, to move out of turn under threat of political exile.

East meets West in 1974
One of the most politically charged matches happened back when there was actually such a thing as East and West Germany. The game wasn’t just about soccer, it was about opposing Cold War ideologies.

Many people are probably wondering how can there be female soccer players from Saudi Arabia when women’s sports are not recognized in Saudi Arabia. The truth is although the country/government does not recognize the team sport does not mean that the women do not know how to play. Most have been playing since they were young, and were actually quite good at it. At first they would treat it as a hobby. Whenever there Read the rest of this entry »

Many people are probably wondering how can there be female soccer players from Saudi Arabia when women’s sports are not recognized in Saudi Arabia. The truth is although the country/government does not recognize the team sport does not mean that the women do not know how to play. Most have been playing since they were young, and were actually quite good at it. At first they would treat it as a hobby. Whenever there Read the rest of this entry »

Whenever two nations with an historic, long-standing enmity engage in any professional sport, opportunities and risks are present in terms of furthering or hampering their relationships. Successfully managed, promoted and administered, professional sporting contests can be great opportunities for historic enemies to compete with one another and enjoy recreational events together, opening doors to increased and better dialogue, and possibly putting to rest the issues which have colored their relationships in the past.

Turkey and Armenia are two countries which have Read the rest of this entry »

For individuals playing professional sports in many nations, soccer can closely resemble a modern day global slave trade. Lacking individual civil and even human rights, the buying, selling and trading of players valued for their labor destroys families, and bears a very strong resemblance to the slave trades which have plagued our planet for thousands of years. In fact, it may be argued that the only difference is that the human cargo being moved about today, Read the rest of this entry »

If you think that politics have no influence on FIFA’s selection process for World Cup locations, think again. Just remember back to the most recent World Cup in South Africa, where critics and commentators questioned the suitability and safety of the venue right up to the starting kick-off. FIFA tends to choose locations for the World Cup that are politically stable and considered safe for tourists. This makes the dream of hosting the World Cup Read the rest of this entry »

If you think that politics have no influence on FIFA-s selection process for World Cup locations, think again. Just remember back to the most recent World Cup in South Africa, where critics and commentators questioned the suitability and safety of the venue right up to the starting kick-off. FIFA tends to choose locations for the World Cup that are politically stable and considered safe for tourists. This makes the dream of hosting the World Cup Read the rest of this entry »