Jules Boykoff

Jules Boykoff is a professor of political science at Pacific University in Oregon and the author of six books on the Olympic Games, most recently What Are the Olympics For?

Protesters near the State Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia

FIFA Shuns Indonesia Over Palestinian Solidarity FIFA Shuns Indonesia Over Palestinian Solidarity

There is no longer the pan-national solidarity needed for countries like Indonesia to stand up to FIFA.

Apr 12, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Wide shot of inside of World Cup stadium

The Big Winners of the 2022 World Cup? Qatar and Despots the World Over (and Messi) The Big Winners of the 2022 World Cup? Qatar and Despots the World Over (and Messi)

Even “sportswashing” that costs over $200 billion appears to be money well spent.

Dec 18, 2022 / Jules Boykoff and Dave Zirin

Soccer fans unfurl a flag that reads Free Palestine at the World Cup in Qatar.

Palestine: The Unexpected Star of the 2022 World Cup Palestine: The Unexpected Star of the 2022 World Cup

From player demonstrations to unfurled flags, Palestinian struggle has been visible and fearless at the World Cup. 

Dec 7, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Fans of German soccer team Sport-Club Freiburg display a banner about boycotting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar prior to a Bundesliga league match against FC Bayern München.

Will Players Help Raise Awareness About the Horrors Surrounding the World Cup? Will Players Help Raise Awareness About the Horrors Surrounding the World Cup?

We are seeing some people from the soccer world speak out about the Qatar World Cup. We need more.

Nov 16, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Portland Thorns women's soccer fans light a smoke bomb as part of a protest of the sex scandal in the National Women's Soccer League during a Thorns game against the Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park on November 14, 2021, in Portland, Oregon.

Is Portland About to Have Two Supporter-Owned Soccer Teams? Is Portland About to Have Two Supporter-Owned Soccer Teams?

Forcing a franchise owner to sell the team? Community ownership? It’s on the table for the raucous fans of the Portland Thorns and Timbers.

Oct 24, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

A man holds a black sign with white font that says,

Merritt Paulson Must Go Merritt Paulson Must Go

It is past time for the soccer impresario to sell the Thorns and Timbers, and Portland would be the perfect city to install public ownership.

Oct 10, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks in front a sign that reads,

The Bloody Money Trail From the Qatar World Cup to the LA Olympics The Bloody Money Trail From the Qatar World Cup to the LA Olympics

Qatar is a human rights nightmare, but LA power brokers preparing for the 2028 Olympics don’t seem to care.

Aug 10, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Emergency services near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London

10 Years On, London’s Olympic Legacy Is in Shambles 10 Years On, London’s Olympic Legacy Is in Shambles

Much like the country’s politics, the aftermath of the 2012 Olympics has been a mess. 

Jul 27, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

The LA 2028 Summer Olympics reveals its new logo through murals across Los Angeles.

Organizers Don’t Care That the 2028 Olympics Could Be On Fire Organizers Don’t Care That the 2028 Olympics Could Be On Fire

In the face of climate catastrophe, the 2028 Olympics steam ahead unconcerned that they are making the crisis in Los Angeles County worse.

Jul 19, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

The Tragic Absurdity of Qatar’s World Cup Sportswashing

The Tragic Absurdity of Qatar’s World Cup Sportswashing The Tragic Absurdity of Qatar’s World Cup Sportswashing

Labor abuses, homophobia, corruption? Qatar and FIFA will use the men’s World Cup to put a happy gloss on it all.

Jun 21, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

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