ABSTRACT
The main 'change' from traditional sports diplomacy is that sports diplomacy is a far more inclusive, amateur and networked model that embodies the type of state, non-state and public partnerships characteristic of twenty-first century diplomacy. The purpose of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is somewhat retrospective to act as a sporting gatekeeper, which facilitates, manages and evaluates whole-of-government sports diplomacy strategies or policies that enhances a nation's soft power image, reputation and partnerships. In the twenty-first century, the MFA and its diplomats no longer have a monopoly on foreign policy. It has taken some time for diplomats to come to terms with what is essentially the end of a centuries-old cartel on the business of foreign affairs. Sports diplomats can also take on more traditional, permanent roles in international affairs. Using sports diplomacy to accurately represent a nation's culture, or sports envoys in traditional and non-traditional diplomatic roles only allude to part of the new practices.
