Is Dubai Air Real? Season 2 Controversy Explained

Summary

• Sam’s stand against Dubai Air highlights real-world athlete activism and social responsibility in the face of controversy.
• The Dubai Air storyline showcases the ethical dilemma faced by Sam, resulting in him taking a brave and impactful stance.
• Sam’s leadership and outspokenness not only affect his personal trajectory but also shape the team dynamic in
  Ted Lasso
  .

The Dubai Air controversy in Ted Lasso season 2 is a pivotal moment for Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh) while also showing the sitcom’s tendency to embrace more serious storylines. Ted Lasso began as a heartwarming sports series and a fish-out-of-water comedy starring Jason Sudeikis in the titular role as an American football coach hired to oversee a Premiere League soccer team in England, AFC Richmond. However, the show quickly evolved beyond Ted’s story to focus on the larger team, with Sam becoming one of the breakout characters.

Sam is shown to be the heart of the team in terms of its players, being a morally conscious, positive energy, and encouraging presence on the team. The controversy with the Dubai Air storyline was one of the biggest factors in making his character more important in the second season. It showed the character’s courage to stand by his conviction as well as the team’s willingness to stand behind one of their own. However, the storyline caused many fans to question if it is based on true events and if Dubai Air is a real company.

Ted Lasso
is available to stream on Apple TV+

Why Did Sam Boycott Dubai Air?

Dubai Air Was Linked To Environmental Controversies In Sam’s Native Nigeria

The Dubai Air storyline began in Ted Lasso season 2, episode 3, when Keely Jones (Juno Temple) unveiled Sam’s involvement in a photoshoot for AFC Richmond’s club sponsor, Dubai Air. He was the face of the campaign and proudly shared the news with his father later on. However, Sam discovered that Ceritihium Oil owned Dubai Air. This caused Sam to completely reconsider his place as the face of Dubai Air’s ad campaign and AFC Richmond, leading to a massive controversy for him and the entire club.

Sam’s decision to withdraw from the Dubai Air campaign and no longer support AFC Richmond’s main sponsor comes from Cerithium Oil’s other business practices. The company has been linked to oil spills that destroyed Nigeria’s environment and bribing government officials to cover it up. Sam goes as far as to say that they are responsible for transforming his home country into a “hellish, fiery swamp.” He also publicly accuses the Nigerian government of corruption.

It led to Sam standing up for his beliefs and putting a black piece of tape over Dubai Air’s logo on his jersey, and the entire team backed up this decision and supported him through solidarity.

Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) originally agreed to work with Sam to remove him from the ad campaign due to her relationship with Cerithium Oil’s CEO. However, when the company demanded that Sam be removed from the team, Rebecca refused. It led to Sam standing up for his beliefs and putting a black piece of tape over Dubai Air’s logo on his jersey, and the entire team backed up this decision and supported him through solidarity.

Dubai Air Is Not A Real Company

Sam’s Willingness To Speak His Mind As An Athlete Reflects Real-World Examples

Just as AFC Richmond is not a real European football club, Dubai Air is not an actual airline tied to environmental destruction. However, that doesn’t make Ted Lasso‘s Dubai Air controversy and the stand that Sam and his teammates take any less relevant to the real world. Professional and collegiate athletes have taken similar stands against powerful organizations, sponsors, and politicians in the past. This recently became an even bigger topic of discussion as athletes knelt during the national anthem and wore warm-ups tied to social justice.

Sam is a character who embodies the idea of the athletes who use their platform to talk about social issues.

The controversy Sam faces in light of his condemnation of the company’s practices is also related to real-world stories of athletes speaking out about their beliefs. Colin Kaepernick, the NFL player who was cited as beginning the kneeling protest in the league, was subject to widespread criticism and threats, including from those within the NFL. Sam is a character who embodies the idea of the athletes who use their platform to talk about social issues, regardless of the consequences they might face.

How The Dubai Air Controversy Impacted Sam’s Future

Speaking Out Costs Him A Spot On The Nigerian National Team

Sam’s public criticism of Dubai Air had lasting impacts on Ted Lasso, making the storyline more realistic. Sam faces consequences for being outspoken on the issue, while it also sets the stage for his other moments of courage and activism. While Sam’s position on Richmond is saved due to Rebecca’s unwillingness to cave to pressures, he later learns that he has not been chosen to represent the national Nigerian team during the International Break competition. However, this does not stop Sam’s outspokenness.

Another storyline in Ted Lasso season 3 saw Sam publicly call out the UK Home Secretary for refusing to allow refugees into the country. She responded by suggesting that Sam should “shut up and dribble”, dismissing him as an athlete whose opinions on politics don’t matter. This is in reference to the real criticism aimed at LeBron James when he voiced his own political beliefs. While Sam stands by his criticism, he is shown to be frustrated and upset by the hostile and racist remarks tweeted at him in response to his comments about his Nigerian restaurant being vandalized by anti-immigration people.

However, Sam’s outspoken ways and his willingness to stand by his convictions also show his leadership on the team. After being dismayed that Jamie Tartt rejoined the team following his previous negative behavior toward his teammates, Sam and Jamie’s relationship is mended when Jamie publicly commends Sam for his brave criticism of Dubai Air. By the end of Ted Lasso, Sam is named as the new captain of Richmond, with his choice to step beyond sports and address the issues of the world being a significant stepping stone in allowing the team to see him as a leader.