Soccer vs Politics

[falcon.7]

An interesting scenario developing in Spain. What caught my attention was the last line:

"FIFA is like the United Nations but has more members and is more powerful."

Humorus as I Mr. Blatter's statement, it did get me thinking and doing some research into politics and soccer, including some other sanctions imposed by FIFA (Greece, Portugal). It begs the question - what role does a government have in sport, especially in the management of teams which play under the national banner? Is FIFA overstepping its bounds by dictating internal policy or does a worldwide cultural aspect like soccer need an international overseer which can trump domestic affairs?

This discussion may crash before takeoff, but I thought it might be interesting to ponder.

[Gary V]

I'm not sure why this is in the referee forum, but there is a parallel to the KS female ref thread.

FIFA has set up conditions of membership. One of them is that there is a limit on what a country's government can do. If the government of Spain (or anywhere else) chooses not to abide by those limits, FIFA has the right to suspend partcipation of that country's teams in international competitions.

Just as the private HS must accept the policies of the association that governs play and assigns referees, Spain must accept the policies of FIFA to compete in FIFA-sanctioned events.

[Sandcrab Margarita]

For an insightful, if somewhat densely written, account of the role of FIFA versus national associations & governments, check out FIFA and the Contest for World Football, by John Sugden & Alan Tomlinson. Given the EPL's intent to play overseas matches, the proper role of FIFA & member associations is a timely question.

[IASocFan]

I agree that this is one of several non-referee oriented threads. However, it is nice to have a place for an intelligent conversation with a minimum amount of trolling! Keep playing nice, and y'all get to stay! :)