Between Stadium Diplomacy and Football Commercialism
The Political Economics of Stadium Construction for AFCON 2027
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32387/prokla.v55i221.2212Keywords:
Africa Cup of Nations, Arusha, CAF, China, Football CommercializationAbstract
The construction of stadiums for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania illustrates the political economy of football, in which sporting infrastructure goes far beyond its original purpose. Stadiums serve as symbols of geopolitical power, economic interests and national prestige projects. China’s »stadium diplomacy« in particular highlights how infrastructure projects are part of global influence strategies. At the same time, requirements imposed by the African Football Confederation and international marketing logic are increasing the pressure to invest, while the social costs, such as displacement, debt and the maintenance costs of the new stadiums, are often borne by society.
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