From July 2 to 27, 2025, the Women’s European Football Championship will be held in Switzerland. One person who believes Sweden will win a medal is Ulf Bjereld, the professor who loves football. When he follows a tournament, it’s not only the sporting aspect that interests him. As a political scientist, he notices aspects of football that others may not think about.
Ulf, what do you mean when you say that football and politics cannot be separated?
"Football and sports are part of society. Political decisions affect football, and what happens in football affects politics. Football can be used for political purposes in many different ways – by governments, political movements, parties, and individual actors. To separate sports from politics is like trying to draw a line in water."
Can you give some examples?
"During last year’s men’s European Championship in Germany, there was a major stir when France’s star Kylian Mbappé, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, urged voters not to support a far-right party. That was a clear political statement. At the same time, it reminded us that the French national team is often seen as more than just a team on the field. With its mix of different backgrounds, the team has long been celebrated as an example of how multicultural France can work at its best."
"The Swedish women’s national team is also an example of how a political gesture can be expressed. The team traditionally kneels before kickoff to show support for the American Black Lives Matter movement."
How can an international women’s championship be used for political purposes?
"International championships are often used for so-called “sportswashing.” This means that a country’s regime can use the event to gain legitimacy and present a better image, either to the outside world or to its own population. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is a contemporary example. But sportswashing has a long history – for instance, the 1936 Berlin Olympics became a propaganda success for Hitler and the Nazi regime in Germany."
"In Switzerland, which is hosting this summer’s championship, we won’t see those kinds of tendencies. However, we will likely witness political expressions in the stands and perhaps even among players, for example in support of the civilian population in Gaza."
How important is it for women to represent Sweden in a major championship?
"Sweden was a pioneer in women’s football. But even here, it took a long time before it was taken seriously. In a country that values gender equality highly, it is a given that both men’s and women’s national teams should have the opportunity to qualify for international championships. However, women’s football teams still attract significantly smaller audiences than men’s teams – both at the national team level and in club football."
What role do political institutions play in the development of Swedish women’s football?
"Football depends on public funding to operate. The state has a responsibility to ensure that women are not discriminated against in areas it finances. Swedish football also includes gender equality as part of its core values."
Is there a difference in media coverage between women’s and men’s football?
"Journalism reflects the prevailing norms in society. Just as gender equality has improved in society, media coverage of women’s and men’s football has become more balanced. But differences remain. Men’s football still receives significantly more media attention."
"In my opinion, there are also differences in how female and male players are portrayed. It is more common for women who have won an important match to be encouraged to jump for joy in front of the camera in a way that male players are not expected to do."
Do you think Sweden will win a medal in the Euros?
"I believe Sweden will win bronze.
