Paul Michael Brannagan is a doctoral researcher of sociology in Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and a Teaching Associate at the University of Birmingham’s School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences. The principal focus of Paul’s research is the socio-cultural role of global sport in the Persian Gulf State of Qatar. He has presented his work – on Qatar’s soft power sports strategy – at multiple conferences both across the UK and Europe. Recent research will be available in multiple publications as of early 2014.

In’utu Jacqueline Mubanga is a doctoral researcher of sociology in Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Having completed her Master’s degree in the CIES International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport (FIFA MA), In’utu is now investigating the economic, political and socio-cultural role of medium-sized sports events in the continent of Africa, with a specific focus on implementation in South Africa.

Mads de Wolff is a doctoral researcher of sport policy at Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. His research focuses principally on European Union sport policy and the EU’s institutional dynamics, in particular the role of the reformed Council Presidency.