At the World Cup, the media has set up a moral checkpoint
It speaks to a familiar hierarchy in global journalism: Some players are allowed to be athletes. Others are turned into ambassadors, defendants and moral exhibits.The World Cup is often sold as the place where football rises above politics. Politics, and hypocrisy, have always been part of the sport.
- ▪It speaks to a familiar hierarchy in global journalism: Some players are allowed to be athletes.
- ▪Others are turned into ambassadors, defendants and moral exhibits.The World Cup is often sold as the place where football rises above politics.
- ▪Politics, and hypocrisy, have always been part of the sport.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
OPINIONOPINION, OpinionAt the World Cup, the media has set up a moral checkpointWhile US and European players just get to play football, Global South footballers are questioned about politics.By Patrick GatharaSenior Editor for Inclusive Storytelling at The New Humanitarian.Published On 30 Jun 202630 Jun 2026ListenListen (5 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoIran head coach Amir Ghalenoei, right, and player Saeid Ezatolahi attend a press conference ahead of a FIFA World Cup match against Belgium in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles on June 20, 2026 [Andre Penner/AP]“Why is it that African teams and Middle Eastern teams have to answer for what their governments are doing but European teams…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Al Jazeera English.
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