Critical Issues in Sport and Society features scholarly books that help expand our understanding of the myriad ways in which sport is intertwined with social life in the contemporary world. Using the tools of various scholarly disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, history, media studies and others, books in this new series investigate the growing impact of sport and sports-related activities on various aspects of social life as well as key developments and changes in the sporting world and emerging sporting practices.

Soccer is more than a game—it is a global force that shapes economies, influences politics, drives technological innovation, and unites (and divides) communities across continents. From neighborhood pitches to the world’s largest sporting stages, soccer offers a powerful lens through which to understand some of the most pressing issues of our time. The Journal of Multidisciplinary Research is excited to announce a special issue dedicated to cutting-edge, interdisciplinary scholarship on soccer.

Safeguarding in sport has emerged as a critical priority for sport psychology practice, research, and policy. However, the development and implementation of safeguarding measures are significantly influenced by cultural contexts. Research highlighting issues of contextual fit when Western-born, rights-based safeguarding frameworks are applied across diverse geo-cultural logics and norms, and across sporting environments and levels. Despite growing policy attention and the expansion of safeguarding initiatives, systematic monitoring and evaluation remain underdeveloped in many settings.