ABSTRACT
Chapter 8 considers the role of crisis management communications for international sports events (ISEs). It also explores and evaluates the impact of the media in the context of sport-related crises and disasters. The chapter then discusses issues relating to blame and responsibility in sport and introduces the concept of a Resilience-Reputational Paradox for international sports events (ISEs). The underlying concepts and perspectives embedded within the chapter are explored and illustrated through four case studies. The first examines the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans and its role as a shelter of last resort during Hurricane Katrina. Second, there is an examination of the pre-Games security challenges at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These first two cases are supported by closer scrutiny of crisis communication challenges surrounding the proposed hosting of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Football tournament in Cameroon and then a more detailed analysis of issues surrounding the FIFA 2022 World Cup in the Gulf State of Qatar.
