Stanis Elsborg
@staniselsborg.bsky.social
Head of @playthegame-org.bsky.social • Sport, history and politics • +45 61774915 • stanis@playthegame.org
Pinned
🔥 EXCLUSIVE
The most detailed mapping of Saudi Arabia's sponsorships and key players in sports!
Includes related:
❌Governance issues
❌Conflicts of interest
❌Human rights atrocities
Excited to share the findings!
🌐Access the web and pdf versions👇
www.playthegame.org/projects/sau...
The most detailed mapping of Saudi Arabia's sponsorships and key players in sports!
Includes related:
❌Governance issues
❌Conflicts of interest
❌Human rights atrocities
Excited to share the findings!
🌐Access the web and pdf versions👇
www.playthegame.org/projects/sau...
The Olympics as political neutral?
The political power of the Olympic opening ceremony: Lessons from #Beijing2008 and #Sochi2014
www.playthegame.org/news/the-pol...
The political power of the Olympic opening ceremony: Lessons from #Beijing2008 and #Sochi2014
www.playthegame.org/news/the-pol...
The political power of the Olympic opening ceremony: Lessons from Beijing and Sochi
In this analysis, Stanis Elsborg, senior analyst at Play the Game, shows how China and Russia used the international criticism prior to their hosting of the 2008 and 2014 Olympics politically in the o...
www.playthegame.org
February 14, 2026 at 8:28 AM
The Olympics as political neutral?
The political power of the Olympic opening ceremony: Lessons from #Beijing2008 and #Sochi2014
www.playthegame.org/news/the-pol...
The political power of the Olympic opening ceremony: Lessons from #Beijing2008 and #Sochi2014
www.playthegame.org/news/the-pol...
#CAS denied application by Heraskevych
The Sole Arbitrator found
the limitations reasonable and proportionate, given athletes’ other opportunities to raise awareness (mixed zones, press conferences, social networks, and in his case wearing the helmet during four training runs).
The Sole Arbitrator found
the limitations reasonable and proportionate, given athletes’ other opportunities to raise awareness (mixed zones, press conferences, social networks, and in his case wearing the helmet during four training runs).
February 13, 2026 at 5:45 PM
#CAS denied application by Heraskevych
The Sole Arbitrator found
the limitations reasonable and proportionate, given athletes’ other opportunities to raise awareness (mixed zones, press conferences, social networks, and in his case wearing the helmet during four training runs).
The Sole Arbitrator found
the limitations reasonable and proportionate, given athletes’ other opportunities to raise awareness (mixed zones, press conferences, social networks, and in his case wearing the helmet during four training runs).
“Not all bridges built for peace”
In 2024, 🇺🇦 athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych made a powerful speech at our @playthegame-org.bsky.social conference.
Now, Heraskevych is barred from competing with a helmet honouring 🇺🇦 athletes who lost their lives in Russia’s war.
Watch👉 vimeo.com/962035621?sh...
In 2024, 🇺🇦 athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych made a powerful speech at our @playthegame-org.bsky.social conference.
Now, Heraskevych is barred from competing with a helmet honouring 🇺🇦 athletes who lost their lives in Russia’s war.
Watch👉 vimeo.com/962035621?sh...
February 11, 2026 at 8:55 AM
“Not all bridges built for peace”
In 2024, 🇺🇦 athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych made a powerful speech at our @playthegame-org.bsky.social conference.
Now, Heraskevych is barred from competing with a helmet honouring 🇺🇦 athletes who lost their lives in Russia’s war.
Watch👉 vimeo.com/962035621?sh...
In 2024, 🇺🇦 athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych made a powerful speech at our @playthegame-org.bsky.social conference.
Now, Heraskevych is barred from competing with a helmet honouring 🇺🇦 athletes who lost their lives in Russia’s war.
Watch👉 vimeo.com/962035621?sh...
A helmet too political for the Olympics?
🇺🇦Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych wanted to compete wearing a helmet honouring Ukrainian athletes who have died as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
🧵Thread, 1/3
🇺🇦Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych wanted to compete wearing a helmet honouring Ukrainian athletes who have died as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
🧵Thread, 1/3
February 10, 2026 at 8:27 AM
A helmet too political for the Olympics?
🇺🇦Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych wanted to compete wearing a helmet honouring Ukrainian athletes who have died as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
🧵Thread, 1/3
🇺🇦Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych wanted to compete wearing a helmet honouring Ukrainian athletes who have died as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
🧵Thread, 1/3
I spoke with Yookun Seo from The Chosun about the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia’s global sports spending.
In English👉 www.chosun.com/english/mark...
In English👉 www.chosun.com/english/mark...
Saudi Sportswashing Falters as Players Exit, Projects Scale Back
Saudi Sportswashing Falters as Players Exit, Projects Scale Back Oil price decline, strategic shifts prompt Saudi Arabia to scale back sports investments, prioritize 2034 World Cup
www.chosun.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:07 PM
I spoke with Yookun Seo from The Chosun about the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia’s global sports spending.
In English👉 www.chosun.com/english/mark...
In English👉 www.chosun.com/english/mark...
Reposted by Stanis Elsborg
Jeg håber nogen hos #dkmedier griber @staniselsborg.bsky.social pointe med at DBU også havde sagt de ikke ville spille mod Belarus. Indtil de gjorde det alligevel
Og jeg afslører måske mine tanker om DBU, men ord betyder noget, så når direktøren vælger at omtale det som "konflikten i Ukraine"....
Og jeg afslører måske mine tanker om DBU, men ord betyder noget, så når direktøren vælger at omtale det som "konflikten i Ukraine"....
FIFA's præsident vil gerne byde Rusland tilbage i varmen. Hvorfor vil han nu det? Og hvad siger DBU? Det er spørgsmål, der kalder på en breaking-udsendelse. Så den får du her: Den første Jennings Breaking.
Lyt i kanalen Mediano Sport & Perspektiv.
Lyt i kanalen Mediano Sport & Perspektiv.
Jennings Breaking: Infantino åbner for russisk comeback - DBU reagerer — Mediano - lyden af fodbold
Magasinet Jennings: FIFA-præsident Infantino vil have Rusland tilbage i sportens fold. Det kalder på den første breaking-udsendelse af Magasinet Jennings. Lyt i kanalen Mediano Sport & Perspektiv....
www.mediano.nu
February 3, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Jeg håber nogen hos #dkmedier griber @staniselsborg.bsky.social pointe med at DBU også havde sagt de ikke ville spille mod Belarus. Indtil de gjorde det alligevel
Og jeg afslører måske mine tanker om DBU, men ord betyder noget, så når direktøren vælger at omtale det som "konflikten i Ukraine"....
Og jeg afslører måske mine tanker om DBU, men ord betyder noget, så når direktøren vælger at omtale det som "konflikten i Ukraine"....
Reposted by Stanis Elsborg
"How can FIFA continue to operate without meaningful political or legal oversight? Why do authorities cling to the myth that sport and politics can be separated? And why does the responsibility to speak out fall on athletes and fans when key decisions were taken much earlier, behind closed doors?"
When journalists frame sports boycotts as a simple yes/no question, they fail their democratic role.
My comment on the boycott debate and the media’s responsibility is now available in English via @playthegame-org.bsky.social
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/sports-...
My comment on the boycott debate and the media’s responsibility is now available in English via @playthegame-org.bsky.social
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/sports-...
January 30, 2026 at 7:51 AM
"How can FIFA continue to operate without meaningful political or legal oversight? Why do authorities cling to the myth that sport and politics can be separated? And why does the responsibility to speak out fall on athletes and fans when key decisions were taken much earlier, behind closed doors?"
Reposted by Stanis Elsborg
Forrige uke ble jeg konkaktet av flere medier der jeg fikk spørsmål om jeg var for eller i mot boikott. Da jeg heller ville prate om hva som er problematisk med VM i USA, ble det stille.
@staniselsborg.bsky.social setter ord på det jeg mener om dette.
idrettspolitikk.no/2026/01/30/m...
@staniselsborg.bsky.social setter ord på det jeg mener om dette.
idrettspolitikk.no/2026/01/30/m...
«Mediene svikter sitt oppdrag når fotball-VM kun blir et spørsmål om ja eller nei til boikott» - Idrettspolitikk
GJESTEKOMMENTAR: Debatten om boikott av et internasjonalt idrettsarrangement er tilbake, denne gangen med fotball-VM i 2026 i sentrum. Det samme gjelder medienes velkjente, forenklede innramming: boik...
idrettspolitikk.no
January 30, 2026 at 11:19 AM
Forrige uke ble jeg konkaktet av flere medier der jeg fikk spørsmål om jeg var for eller i mot boikott. Da jeg heller ville prate om hva som er problematisk med VM i USA, ble det stille.
@staniselsborg.bsky.social setter ord på det jeg mener om dette.
idrettspolitikk.no/2026/01/30/m...
@staniselsborg.bsky.social setter ord på det jeg mener om dette.
idrettspolitikk.no/2026/01/30/m...
When journalists frame sports boycotts as a simple yes/no question, they fail their democratic role.
My comment on the boycott debate and the media’s responsibility is now available in English via @playthegame-org.bsky.social
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/sports-...
My comment on the boycott debate and the media’s responsibility is now available in English via @playthegame-org.bsky.social
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/sports-...
January 30, 2026 at 7:43 AM
When journalists frame sports boycotts as a simple yes/no question, they fail their democratic role.
My comment on the boycott debate and the media’s responsibility is now available in English via @playthegame-org.bsky.social
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/sports-...
My comment on the boycott debate and the media’s responsibility is now available in English via @playthegame-org.bsky.social
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/sports-...
Reposted by Stanis Elsborg
This is v.good. I get the boycott calls, but the discussion cannot stop there.
We also need to know how FIFA will protect fans from ICE, allow peaceful protest, ensure fans can travel safely.
We need to dissect the responsibilities of FAs and sponsors. And work out how to hold people accountable.
We also need to know how FIFA will protect fans from ICE, allow peaceful protest, ensure fans can travel safely.
We need to dissect the responsibilities of FAs and sponsors. And work out how to hold people accountable.
Journalism is failing the World Cup boycott debate.
Once again, media coverage reduces complex sports-political realities to a simple yes-or-no question: boycott or not?
👉 journalisten-dk.translate.goog/journalistik...
Once again, media coverage reduces complex sports-political realities to a simple yes-or-no question: boycott or not?
👉 journalisten-dk.translate.goog/journalistik...
January 29, 2026 at 10:15 AM
This is v.good. I get the boycott calls, but the discussion cannot stop there.
We also need to know how FIFA will protect fans from ICE, allow peaceful protest, ensure fans can travel safely.
We need to dissect the responsibilities of FAs and sponsors. And work out how to hold people accountable.
We also need to know how FIFA will protect fans from ICE, allow peaceful protest, ensure fans can travel safely.
We need to dissect the responsibilities of FAs and sponsors. And work out how to hold people accountable.
Journalism is failing the World Cup boycott debate.
Once again, media coverage reduces complex sports-political realities to a simple yes-or-no question: boycott or not?
👉 journalisten-dk.translate.goog/journalistik...
Once again, media coverage reduces complex sports-political realities to a simple yes-or-no question: boycott or not?
👉 journalisten-dk.translate.goog/journalistik...
January 29, 2026 at 9:26 AM
Journalism is failing the World Cup boycott debate.
Once again, media coverage reduces complex sports-political realities to a simple yes-or-no question: boycott or not?
👉 journalisten-dk.translate.goog/journalistik...
Once again, media coverage reduces complex sports-political realities to a simple yes-or-no question: boycott or not?
👉 journalisten-dk.translate.goog/journalistik...
Opening a new position for an editor and international relations manager, @playthegame-org.bsky.social aims to strengthen its work to promote democratic values in international sport.
www.playthegame.org/news/play-th...
www.playthegame.org/news/play-th...
Play the Game seeks an editor
Opening a new position for an editor and international relations manager, Play the Game aims to strengthen its work to promote democratic values in international sport.
www.playthegame.org
January 5, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Opening a new position for an editor and international relations manager, @playthegame-org.bsky.social aims to strengthen its work to promote democratic values in international sport.
www.playthegame.org/news/play-th...
www.playthegame.org/news/play-th...
Reposted by Stanis Elsborg
While headlines focus on the Sabalenka–Kyrgios showmatch, far less attention is paid to where it was staged - and why that matters.
Dubai, the UAE, and the political use of elite sport amid severe human rights atrocities.
www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
Dubai, the UAE, and the political use of elite sport amid severe human rights atrocities.
www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
While headlines have focused on the Battle of the Sexes showmatch between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, far less attention has been paid to where the match was staged – and what that context… | St...
While headlines have focused on the Battle of the Sexes showmatch between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, far less attention has been paid to where the match was staged – and what that context repre...
www.linkedin.com
December 29, 2025 at 12:28 PM
While headlines focus on the Sabalenka–Kyrgios showmatch, far less attention is paid to where it was staged - and why that matters.
Dubai, the UAE, and the political use of elite sport amid severe human rights atrocities.
www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
Dubai, the UAE, and the political use of elite sport amid severe human rights atrocities.
www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
While headlines focus on the Sabalenka–Kyrgios showmatch, far less attention is paid to where it was staged - and why that matters.
Dubai, the UAE, and the political use of elite sport amid severe human rights atrocities.
www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
Dubai, the UAE, and the political use of elite sport amid severe human rights atrocities.
www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
While headlines have focused on the Battle of the Sexes showmatch between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, far less attention has been paid to where the match was staged – and what that context… | St...
While headlines have focused on the Battle of the Sexes showmatch between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, far less attention has been paid to where the match was staged – and what that context repre...
www.linkedin.com
December 29, 2025 at 12:28 PM
While headlines focus on the Sabalenka–Kyrgios showmatch, far less attention is paid to where it was staged - and why that matters.
Dubai, the UAE, and the political use of elite sport amid severe human rights atrocities.
www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
Dubai, the UAE, and the political use of elite sport amid severe human rights atrocities.
www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
A recent article reignites the debate about children in elite sport.
Jørn Sønderholm argues for allowing professional contracts at 13.
The Danish Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, strongly disagrees.
Full context and sources👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
Jørn Sønderholm argues for allowing professional contracts at 13.
The Danish Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, strongly disagrees.
Full context and sources👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
December 28, 2025 at 10:08 AM
A recent article reignites the debate about children in elite sport.
Jørn Sønderholm argues for allowing professional contracts at 13.
The Danish Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, strongly disagrees.
Full context and sources👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
Jørn Sønderholm argues for allowing professional contracts at 13.
The Danish Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, strongly disagrees.
Full context and sources👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
Today, Hassan Moustafa (81) was re-elected as president of the International Handball Federation. I was asked by @Frib3rg from @vgnett to comment on governance and democracy in the IHF. These are the core points from my responses.
👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
Omstridt president (81) gjenvalgt: – Håndballen fortjener mer | Stanis Elsborg
25 years in power – and still re-elected. What does this say about international handball?
Today, Hassan Moustafa (81) was re-elected as president of the International Handball Federation. I was aske...
www.linkedin.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Today, Hassan Moustafa (81) was re-elected as president of the International Handball Federation. I was asked by @Frib3rg from @vgnett to comment on governance and democracy in the IHF. These are the core points from my responses.
👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
Yesterday, the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 Final was played.
The NBA champions social justice and freedom of expression - while partnering with the UAE, an authoritarian state with a documented human rights record.
👉 www.nytimes.com/2024/09/25/o...
The NBA champions social justice and freedom of expression - while partnering with the UAE, an authoritarian state with a documented human rights record.
👉 www.nytimes.com/2024/09/25/o...
December 17, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Yesterday, the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 Final was played.
The NBA champions social justice and freedom of expression - while partnering with the UAE, an authoritarian state with a documented human rights record.
👉 www.nytimes.com/2024/09/25/o...
The NBA champions social justice and freedom of expression - while partnering with the UAE, an authoritarian state with a documented human rights record.
👉 www.nytimes.com/2024/09/25/o...
🚨New research by @stevemenary.bsky.social and @samindrakunti.bsky.social for @playthegame-org.bsky.social shows how FIFA’s streaming platform is being exploited by unlicensed betting operators to offer in-play betting on hundreds of football matches.
www.playthegame.org/news/fifa-li...
www.playthegame.org/news/fifa-li...
FIFA+ livestreams fuel global in-play betting markets
New research from Play the Game shows how unlicensed betting companies are using FIFA’s own streaming platform to offer in-play wagers on low-level matches worldwide. Many smaller federations are unaw...
www.playthegame.org
December 12, 2025 at 9:47 AM
🚨New research by @stevemenary.bsky.social and @samindrakunti.bsky.social for @playthegame-org.bsky.social shows how FIFA’s streaming platform is being exploited by unlicensed betting operators to offer in-play betting on hundreds of football matches.
www.playthegame.org/news/fifa-li...
www.playthegame.org/news/fifa-li...
Opening a new position for an editor and international relations manager, @playthegame-org.bsky.social aims to strengthen its work to promote democratic values in international sport.
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/play-th...
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/play-th...
Play the Game seeks an editor
Opening a new position for an editor and international relations manager, Play the Game aims to strengthen its work to promote democratic values in international sport.
www.playthegame.org
December 9, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Opening a new position for an editor and international relations manager, @playthegame-org.bsky.social aims to strengthen its work to promote democratic values in international sport.
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/play-th...
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/play-th...
"We will restore the image of #FIFA and the respect of FIFA. And everyone in the world will applaud us, and will applaud all of you, for what we will do in FIFA in the future."
- Gianni Infantino, 2016
youtu.be/raMa-s8I6Us?...
- Gianni Infantino, 2016
youtu.be/raMa-s8I6Us?...
Gianni Infantino gives first speech as FIFA President
YouTube video by FOX Soccer
youtu.be
December 6, 2025 at 10:25 AM
"We will restore the image of #FIFA and the respect of FIFA. And everyone in the world will applaud us, and will applaud all of you, for what we will do in FIFA in the future."
- Gianni Infantino, 2016
youtu.be/raMa-s8I6Us?...
- Gianni Infantino, 2016
youtu.be/raMa-s8I6Us?...
. @fckobenhavndk.bsky.social on its way into the “MCO club”?
Learn more about football’s multi-club ownership crisis👇 #fck #sldk #mco #fcklive
www.playthegame.org/themes/footb...
Learn more about football’s multi-club ownership crisis👇 #fck #sldk #mco #fcklive
www.playthegame.org/themes/footb...
Football's multi-club ownership crisis
In just four years, multi-club ownership has exploded, concentrating power in the hands of a few investor groups. This collection of articles will help you understand how MCO affects thousands of play...
www.playthegame.org
December 2, 2025 at 7:45 PM
. @fckobenhavndk.bsky.social on its way into the “MCO club”?
Learn more about football’s multi-club ownership crisis👇 #fck #sldk #mco #fcklive
www.playthegame.org/themes/footb...
Learn more about football’s multi-club ownership crisis👇 #fck #sldk #mco #fcklive
www.playthegame.org/themes/footb...
💥One year on: Saudi Arabia’s grip on world sport has only tightened🇸🇦
Exactly one year ago, we published @playthegame_org's investigation into Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sport👇
www.playthegame.org/projects/sau...
Exactly one year ago, we published @playthegame_org's investigation into Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sport👇
www.playthegame.org/projects/sau...
Saudi Arabia’s grip on world sport
Play the Game presents a new report and dataset which uncover the extensive scale and intricate networks behind Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy.
www.playthegame.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:36 AM
💥One year on: Saudi Arabia’s grip on world sport has only tightened🇸🇦
Exactly one year ago, we published @playthegame_org's investigation into Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sport👇
www.playthegame.org/projects/sau...
Exactly one year ago, we published @playthegame_org's investigation into Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sport👇
www.playthegame.org/projects/sau...
💥 Scams, slavery, and surface-to-air missiles!
These are the brutal realities behind parts of the global online betting industry - as revealed by investigative journalist Lindsey Kennedy in her hard-hitting presentation at @playthegame-org.bsky.social 2025
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/scams-s...
These are the brutal realities behind parts of the global online betting industry - as revealed by investigative journalist Lindsey Kennedy in her hard-hitting presentation at @playthegame-org.bsky.social 2025
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/scams-s...
October 21, 2025 at 1:34 PM
💥 Scams, slavery, and surface-to-air missiles!
These are the brutal realities behind parts of the global online betting industry - as revealed by investigative journalist Lindsey Kennedy in her hard-hitting presentation at @playthegame-org.bsky.social 2025
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/scams-s...
These are the brutal realities behind parts of the global online betting industry - as revealed by investigative journalist Lindsey Kennedy in her hard-hitting presentation at @playthegame-org.bsky.social 2025
👉 www.playthegame.org/news/scams-s...
14 days ago, we kicked off Play the Game 2025 ❗
I opened the conference with a call to drive dialogue for democracy in sport...
For speeches and video-on-demand👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
@playthegame-org.bsky.social
I opened the conference with a call to drive dialogue for democracy in sport...
For speeches and video-on-demand👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
@playthegame-org.bsky.social
14 days ago, we kicked off Play the Game 2025 ❗
I opened the conference with a call to drive dialogue for democracy in sport.
In times when open debate is under pressure – both in sport and in… | S...
14 days ago, we kicked off Play the Game 2025 ❗
I opened the conference with a call to drive dialogue for democracy in sport.
In times when open debate is under pressure – both in sport and in soci...
www.linkedin.com
October 19, 2025 at 8:40 AM
14 days ago, we kicked off Play the Game 2025 ❗
I opened the conference with a call to drive dialogue for democracy in sport...
For speeches and video-on-demand👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
@playthegame-org.bsky.social
I opened the conference with a call to drive dialogue for democracy in sport...
For speeches and video-on-demand👉 www.linkedin.com/posts/stanis...
@playthegame-org.bsky.social
Whistleblower reveals Qatar’s surveillance of journalists during 2022 World Cup preparations
www.playthegame.org/news/abdulla...
www.playthegame.org/news/abdulla...
Whistleblower reveals Qatar’s surveillance of journalists during 2022 World Cup preparations
In a session at Play the Game 2025, the former media manager of Qatar's World Cup Supreme Committee exposed all the tricks in Qatar's media strategy.
www.playthegame.org
October 16, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Whistleblower reveals Qatar’s surveillance of journalists during 2022 World Cup preparations
www.playthegame.org/news/abdulla...
www.playthegame.org/news/abdulla...