Successful collection offers valuable contributions and insights

Lina von Petersdorff
Center for Ocean and Society, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel

The idea of human rights playing a role in sport can be traced back. However, following the introduction of Rule 50 by the International Olympic Committee in the 1970s, the subsequent decades witnessed an emphasis on the pursuit of success, financial gain and the accumulation of power. In recent years, human rights issues in sport have gained attention. This is partly due to the poor human rights records of several countries that have hosted or are attempting to host mega-sporting events (MSEs) in recent years, but it is also the result of increased awareness of issues such as corruption and discrimination. In addition, athletes themselves are progressively disregarding Rule 50 to draw attention to certain issues. The Routledge Handbook of Mega-Sporting Events and Human Rights edited by William Rook and Daniela Heerdt (Associate Editor Shubham Jain) introduces the reader to the human rights dimension of MSEs. The editors argue that “MSEs offer challenging as well as useful case studies for understanding and resolving these [human rights] concerns” (p. 481).

The handbook provides a detailed overview of the relevant human rights treaties, normative framework, the mega-sporting event lifecyle, institutional actors, affected groups and specific case studies. The 42 chapters give insight into the necessary considerations surrounding MSEs and human rights issues. The handbook contains both introductory and more specific chapters. Students and scholars working on the topic of human rights in sport will find useful information, insights, and ideas on how to overcome certain challenges. The volume brings together a variety of perspectives, with the chapters building upon each other. The editors managed to achieve what any good collection should. They ensured that the chapters complement each other while remaining understandable when read individually.

The book’s central theme is the belief that human rights must be enforced in all areas including MSEs. Despite the fact that the chapters vary considerably in terms of their focus, style and argumentation, this idea is apparent throughout the entire volume.

The first three chapters introduce the history of human rights in sport as well as the current ecosystem. Paul Reef gives a compelling outlook building on his historical account: “Despite many promising recent developments, we may already have come very close to what is achievable in effectively promoting human rights via MSEs in the current international sport system, or rather what FIFA and the IOC are willing to achieve given their historical positions if they are not challenged to do more structurally.” (p. 22). Chapter 3 provides a useful step-by-step explanation of human rights impact assessments for the rest of the book.

Chapters 4 to 12 revolve around the normative framework for delivering MSEs. While chapter 4, written by William Rook, discusses various human rights principles that apply to sport, David Alfrey argues in chapter 5 that significant environmental and social concerns must be considered. In chapters 6 to 12 the focus is on remedy mechanisms and due diligence in the context of MSEs. The authors provide a detailed overview of the responsibilities of different actors, the arbitration system and its effectiveness.

Part 3 of the volume (chapters 13-17) discusses the various stages of the MSE lifecycle, including bidding, preparation, game time, and legacy. The impact of each of these steps on human rights is considered. The authors identify certain rights and vulnerable groups that are under threat and explain how the system has evolved so far and what the remaining problems are. In part 4, consisting of chapters 18-24, institutional actors involved in MSEs, such as organizing committees, sponsors, broadcasters and governments are introduced. The authors also manage to give a good overview of the legal framework these stakeholders are operating in. Part 5 (chapters 25-29) focuses on the specific rights-holders that are affected by MSEs. Athletes, children, persons with disabilities, the workforce and gender issues are each dedicated a chapter. The authors discuss international human rights law, how these groups are endangered and what can be done to ensure their protection. In chapters 30-41 (part 6) a range of case studies are analyzed with regard to their human rights impact. They include institutions such as the Centre for Sport and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization, as well as the role of spectators and specific events.

The book is well-structured as general information is provided in the first part before discussing the human rights aspect and the structure of MSEs more specifically. The second half of the volume focuses on stakeholders (institutional actors and affected groups), emphasizing the relevance of human rights in the field of sport. The significance of considering human rights is further highlighted by the case studies.

The volume consists of informative and well-written chapters, of which some, however, have similar content. The case study of Qatar 2022, for example, is very prominent throughout the book. This is understandable given Qatar’s human rights situation. Nevertheless, it could have been interesting to widen the focus in this aspect. That said, I found chapter 36 by Pedro José Mercado Jaén particularly interesting as it shows a new perspective by discussing e-sports. Since the preparatory stage is shorter than in other sports, implementing an effective human rights strategy becomes more complicated. While the institutional perspective is evident throughout the book, I found the athlete’s perspective to be falling short. In chapter 39 Mark James thematizes the lack of application of Rule 50 to the majority of expressions performed by athletes in Tokyo and takes a glimpse into the future. Apart from that, athlete’s voices and athletes as stakeholders could have been discussed more in some chapters.

In their conclusion, the editors point out that the aim of the handbook has been “to advance knowledge on human rights and how to better ensure their protection both within and outside the MSE ecosystem.” (p. 482). The authors have certainly achieved this, as they discuss not only human rights in the context of MSEs, but also the potential effects that protecting them has on other areas. The book’s central theme is the belief that human rights must be enforced in all areas including MSEs. Despite the fact that the chapters vary considerably in terms of their focus, style and argumentation, this idea is apparent throughout the entire volume. Reading The Routledge Handbook of Mega-Sporting Events and Human Rights manifested my belief that a lot needs to be done to ensure the enforcement of human rights in the context of MSEs. My main takeaway from the book is that the legal framework already exists to a certain degree, as do many ideas and possibilities. These just need to be implemented and enforced. The handbook offers a valuable contribution for this process.

Copyright © Lina von Petersdorff 2026