The FIFA World Cup in Qatar

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar 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, addressing the "sportswashing" topic, human rights issues, and labor conditions. Key topics include the contentious awarding process, FIFA's transformation, and the evolving dynamics of gender representation in sports commentary. It assesses the influence of digital platforms on sports communication and evaluates the potential for sports events to drive social and political change. Viewing the tournament as a case study in sports diplomacy and nation branding, the work explores the complex relationship between international sports organizations, governments, and global public opinion. It provides insights for academics, researchers, and students in the fields of sports communication, sports politics and media studies. Furthermore, it offers interesting perspectives for sports journalists, policymakers, and sports organization officials. 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. The Editors 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 Studies at the German Sport University and Co-editor of the "Journal for Sports Communication and Media Sports". Prof. Christof Seeger is professor of Periodical Media Print and Online at the Stuttgart Media University (Hochschule der Medien - HdM) in Germany since 2005. Since 2015, he serves as the Dean of the Master's program "Crossmedia Publishing & Management," with specializations in "Publishing" and "Sports Communication". Prof. Dr. Jürgen Mittag is since 2011 Chairholder and Head of the Institute of European Sport Development and Leisure Studies at the German Sport University Cologne. He has been appointed as Jean Monnet Professor and serves since 2015 as the founding director of the Master's programme "International Sport Development and Politics".