ABSTRACT
Few debates stir more passion than that concerning the relationship between politics and sport. The debate is less concerned with determining whether sport and politics should mix as it has long been accepted, albeit reluctantly on the part of some, that there is an intimate relationship between the two spheres of social activity. Rather, the contemporary debate is focused on the nature of the relationship between politics and sport and questions such as how, to what extent, and for what purpose should governments be involved in sport. However, before proceeding to consider the debates about the role of government and the state in sport it is important to acknowledge that although this chapter is primarily concerned with the relationship between politics and sport there is a further dimension which focuses on politics in sport. 1 While the former focus emphasises the role of government and public policy the latter directs attention towards the control and deployment of resources within sports organisations.
