ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that contrary to what it claims, sport is far from politically neutral. The arguments in this chapter are based on the assertion that sport, the state and the market are independent. Hence, the latter two forces have to be taken into account in the analyses of the relationship between politics (and the symbols concerning nations and states) and sport. In essence, although sport associations introduce and apply norms that restrict political expression, those expressions that praise the state and the status quo, and generally reflect the public feeling, are allowed. Cases from the Olympic Games, UEFA competitions, the NBA, the NFL, the EPL, the Football League Championship and Turkish football leagues will undergird and substantiate the arguments and conclusions. Finally, the chapter will introduce and respond to possible objections to these arguments.
