Sporting events in Russia are directly linked to the formation of a new Russian national idea and identity under Putin’s rule and have become an important tool in forming the narrative of the nation and establishing a meaningful relationship between the past, present and future, writes Stanis Elsborg in this analysis on sport and identity in Russia.

This second article in our series on civic contestation of mega-events looks to Russia and the protests that have played out here in spite of the efforts by authorities to stifle and suppress popular resistance.

When Argentina plays at the 2018 World Cup in Russia they are not alone. A group of ‘Barrasbravas’, as the Argentine ultras are known, are following their team to Russia. The Barrasbravas are not the only fan group with a violent record.

In this report about the opening days of the World Cup in Russia, Andreas Selliaas discusses the Saudi Arabian influence in international football, Gianni Infantino’s announcement of running for a new term as FIFA president and the ghost of Sepp Blatter.

Reporters Without Borders uses the 2018 FIFA World Cup to raise awareness about Russia's tight grip on media freedom.

Potential corruption and match-fixing at the World Cup is aided by corrupt national football association officials, says Declan Hill in this 2018 FIFA World Cup curtain raiser. FIFA’s ‘often odd’ attitude towards these officials protects the fixers, he says and points to three factors that characterise matches vulnerable to match-fixing.

The 2018 World Cup has been labelled the most expensive World Cup ever, but the exact costs are hard to determine. It is, however, not that hard to find a line of people who benefit from it.

A new Danish documentary looks into Russia and England's use of national intelligence services in the battle to win the World Cup hosting rights. But, according to England's former World Cup consultant Peter Hargitay, who was present at the film premiere in Copenhagen, other football nations have also turned to professional spies for allies.