International sports are competitions between teams representing different countries, most famously the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. This type of sport can be held in a home country (like the England cricket team playing at Wembley Stadium, London), on neutral territory, such as a rugby match between New Zealand and South Africa, or even outside of the country, like the Argentine Open tennis tournament.
These competitions can be a great way to promote tourism in the host country, or they can provide a platform for political debate and change. However, there is a dark side to international sports. As a recent report by the University of Trondheim, Norway, showed, athletes who compete in international competitions often have to deal with issues such as sexual abuse and corruption by local officials.
In some cases, athletes are forced to choose between the love of their country and their talent. This can be especially challenging for young athletes, who are surrounded by fans who expect them to perform at the highest level and whose support is essential to their success.
International sports are governed by a variety of international federations, or IFs. These are the organisations that regulate the world’s various sports disciplines, oversee their promotion and development, and guarantee the regular organisation of competitions. They may also formulate proposals addressed to the International Olympic Committee and collaborate in the preparation of the Olympic Congresses. They may even give their opinions concerning the candidatures for organising the Olympic Games, although they must respect the Olympic Charter.