In a globalized world where sport is more than entertainment, it can be an agent for change. International sports events bring together athletes from different countries to compete in a variety of disciplines. The governing bodies of these events set the rules and enforce policies. They also promote their sports internationally and make money by selling merchandise and tickets to the games. The major sports governing bodies include FIFA, which organizes the World Cup; the International Olympic Committee, which sets the Olympic Games; and the Asian Football Confederation, which oversees Asian soccer.
As with all forms of competition, international sports are fraught with inequality, and where one comes from can play a crucial role in how far they can go. This inequality can sometimes become a matter of life or death. For example, during the 2012 Olympics in London, some athletes from the poorer Olympic neighborhoods were robbed or forced from their homes by landlords trying to make way for wealthy visitors and sponsors. A similar story occurred in Rio de Janeiro when the city hosted the Olympics and the World Cup.
The Olympics are meant to unite the world through sport, but they have often been a forum for national politics, corporate promotions and even the killing of athletes. The 1936 Berlin Olympics were marred by Hitler’s refusal to recognize Jesse Owens’ four gold medals, and the 1992 Munich Games were disrupted by Arab terrorists who killed Israeli athletes and took nine others hostage.