This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, examining the tournament through the lenses of sports communication and sports policy. It provides critical insights into the controversies, challenges, and implications of hosting a major sporting event in an authoritarian regime. The work covers several key topics of paramount importance in today's globalized sports landscape. It explores the controversial awarding process and FIFA's transformation, as well as the media coverage and public perception of the event. The book delves into gender representation in sports commentary and the role of digital media in shaping narratives. Additionally, it addresses human rights issues and labor conditions in Qatar, along with the concepts of sports diplomacy and nation branding. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar serves as a significant case study, highlighting the complex relationships between international sports organizations, authoritarian regimes, and global public opinion. By examining these interconnected issues, the book aims to understand the impact of hosting major sporting events in authoritarian countries and analyze the effectiveness of "sportswashing" attempts by repressive regimes. The work investigates the role of media in shaping public perception of controversial sporting events and explores the challenges and progress in gender representation in sports broadcasting. It assesses the influence of digital platforms on sports communication and evaluates the potential for sports events to drive social and political change. By addressing these crucial issues, the book contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the responsibilities of sports organizations, the power of media in shaping narratives, and the potential for sports to be a catalyst for positive change. It provides valuable insights for academics, researchers, and students in the fields of sports communication, sports politics, media studies, and international relations. Furthermore, the book offers essential knowledge for sports journalists, policymakers, and sports organization officials involved in the planning and execution of major international sporting events.
Dr. Jörg-Uwe Nieland is Senior Scientist at Alpen Adria University Klagenfurt since October 2022. He is associated staff member at the Institute for European Sports Development and Leisure Research at the German Sport University and Co-editor of the (online) “Journal for Sports Communication and Media Sports” ("Journal für Sportkommunikation und Mediensport") since its foundation in 2016.
Prof. Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Christof Seeger has been a professor of Periodical Media Print and Online in the "Mediapublishing" program at the Hochschule der Medien (HdM) in Stuttgart since 2005. Since 2015, he has served as the Dean of the Master's program "Crossmedia Publishing & Management," with specializations in "Publishing" and "Sports Communication.
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Mittag was researcher at the Jean Monnet-Chair for Political Science from 1997 to 2003ir for Political Science, University of Cologne; from 2003-2010 Managing Director at the Institute for Social Movements of the Ruhr-University Bochum. Since 2011 he is Chairholder and Head of the Institute of European Sport Development and Leisure Studies at German Sport University Cologne.
