Dr J. Simon Rofe is Reader in Diplomatic and International Studies in the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, at SOAS University of London: he is the School’s Head of Digital Learning and Programme Director for the MA Global Diplomacy, following a role in the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) in 2012. Simon co-founded the field of Sports Diplomacy, through his scholarship, working with key stakeholders: most notably practitioners. He has shared counsel with numerous national and international bodies, governments and, other stakeholders
such as Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Embassies, National Governing Bodies, International Sporting Federations, National Olympic Committees, Anti-Doping Organisations, global media organisations and athlete advocacy organisations (further details available on request).He is the author and editor of a numerous books and articles including: ‘Sport and Diplomacy: Games within Games’, (Manchester: Manchester University Press / USA Oxford University Press 2018) ‘The Untold Story of FIFA’s Diplomacy and the 1966 World Cup: North Korea, Africa and Sir Stanley Rous’, The International History Review, 2019: ‘Sport and Diplomacy: A Global Diplomacy Framework.’ Diplomacy and Statecraft, 2016; and ‘It is a squad game: Manchester United as a diplomatic non-state actor in international affairs.’ Sport in Society, 2014. Simon developed the first MA module globally to address ‘Sport and Diplomacy: More than a Game’, founded the Sport, Diplomacy, and Governance Hub, and has established the Global Sports Conversations podcast series.
