“For the Game. For the World.”

I’m a soccer fan. Always have been, always will be.   So, when Goldman Sachs predicted the winner of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, I immediately started thinking of ways I could tie soccer to international relations.

           

During class on Tuesday, we were asked to think about a case where interests allowed ideas to emerge or grow.  Although this isn’t a one-time incident, I consider the FIFA World Cup to be a strong example of interests allowing ideas to grow.  In its mission, FIFA states that its goal is “to improve the game of football constantly and promote it globally in the light of its unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values…”  FIFA legitimizes their interest in promoting football through the spreading of positive ideas – cooperation, education, cultural and humanitarian values. 

As an organization, FIFA has inspired countless young soccer players across the globe, and aims to unite countries in shared competition.    For example, in 1967, a two-day truce was called during the Nigerian Civil War so that both sides could watch the famed Pelé play.  FIFA has set a positive example of international cooperation by uniting soccer players in pursuit of a common endeavor despite different worldviews.  By participating, the teams spread national pride and international awareness for their country, connect with other international athletes, and have a chance at international fame. 

There is, unfortunately, a caveat involved in FIFA’s financial support of international tournaments.  Recently, there have been numerous demonstrations throughout Brazil under the banner “FIFA GO HOME.”  These demonstrators are attempting to bring to light the corruption and enormous cost of hosting the World Cup.  FIFA has approved the largest budget in its history for the upcoming kick-off in less than two weeks, but Brazil has yet to finish several stadiums, a light rail project, an airport terminal, and road projects, the latter three of which were intended to benefit Brazil long term.  Federal prosecutors are currently investigating the role of corruption behind a number of the unfinished infrastructure expansions. 

FIFA's interests can allow ideas to grow and ideals to flourish by setting an example through international cooperation and the sharing of different cultural values.  Additionally, many of the infrastructure improvements they sponsor are intended benefit the host country following the tournament, and when done correctly, can benefit the country for years to come.  However, financial and political interests are making it impossible for FIFA to achieve its goals to promote its own ideals. In fact, the wealthy and powerful seem poised to convert the World Cup — in both fact and public perception — into an event that only further consolidates economic and political power.