The FIFA World Cup faces challenges from geopolitical crises, visa issues, and business interests, raising questions about the sport's purity. An expert discusses these threats to the tournament's spirit.

As the World Cup kicks off, many are asking whether the beautiful game is still as beautiful as it once was. The build-up to the tournament has been beset by geopolitical crises, visa problems, environmental concerns, and fears that business interests have taken over. So is a celebration of the sport itself still possible? In Perspective, we spoke to David Webber, Senior Lecturer in Sports Business and Politics at the University Campus of Football Business.