For one month every four years, the World Cup draws the attention of the entire globe.  Could such a unifying event have a hidden political undertone?  Yes.  In an interview, John Turnbull, co-editor of The Global Game, talks about soccer as a vehicle of oppression, not of peace.  Turnbull states that in many areas, in modern history, women were banned from playing soccer.  Even in the soccer-crazed country of England, women weren’t allowed to use Football Association (the sport’s governing organization) fields until 1971.  Turnbull also notes that access to soccer and gender equality can be linked.  To read his interview, click here.   
For more information, check out his book, The Global Game, and his website.