James M. Dorsey

Qatar 2022: Report Puts Focus on Worker’s Rights

Qatar 2022: Report Puts Focus on Worker’s Rights

JAMES M. DORSEY: The publication of a new report examining worker conditions in Qatar ups the ante for the authorities.

 Editor, MEP

Qatar 2022: Villaggio Tragedy Adds to Critic Arsenal

Qatar 2022: Villaggio Tragedy Adds to Critic Arsenal

JAMES DORSEY: Critics are asserting Qatari building standards are shoddy and cast doubt on the safety standards of stadiums…

 James M. Dorsey

Trade Unions Reject Qatar’s ‘Labour Rights’

Trade Unions Reject Qatar’s ‘Labour Rights’

JAMES DORSEY: According to the ITUC “workers are dying in Qatar as they build World Cup stadiums, suffering large scale exploitation every day.

 James M. Dorsey

Middle East Cloud Hangs over FIFA

Middle East Cloud Hangs over FIFA

JAMES M. DORSEY: The Middle East looms large as FIFA’s executive committee meets against the backdrop of a call for sweeping change.

 James M. Dorsey

Hooligans Are ‘Terrorists’, Player’s A ‘Traitor’

Hooligans Are ‘Terrorists’, Player’s A ‘Traitor’

JAMES M. DORSEY: The drama off the pitch surpasses anything on it at the moment in Israeli soccer.

 Mich Cafe

“No Women Allowed”: Saudi’s Unsporting Message

“No Women Allowed”: Saudi’s Unsporting Message

MICH CAFE: Human Rights Watch have just published a report that highlights the deep discrimination against women in Saudi Arabia.

 The View From Fez

A Work of Art: The Football Maker of Marrakech

A Work of Art: The Football Maker of Marrakech

DEREK WORKMAN, THE VIEW FROM FEZ: It’s a complicated inside-out puzzle and only a few people around the world now practice the art.

 James M. Dorsey

A Storm Brewing: Bahrain Sheikh Seeks Top AFC Job

A Storm Brewing: Bahrain Sheikh Seeks Top AFC Job

JAMES M. DORSEY: Campaigning is under way for the presidency of the Asian Football Confederation. The position is never far from controversy.

 James M. Dorsey

Qatar World Cup 2022: Sponsorship versus Principle – To Serve or not to Serve?

Qatar World Cup 2022: Sponsorship versus Principle – To Serve or not to Serve?

JAMES M. DORSEY: The outcome of FIFA’s dispute with Brazil and Russia is certain to shape the soccer body’s certainly forthcoming debate with Qatar.

 James M. Dorsey

Qatar Makes Labour Rights Commitments, Yields to World Cup Pressure

Qatar Makes Labour Rights Commitments, Yields to World Cup Pressure

JAMES M. DORSEY: Qatar has vowed to ensure that contractors involved in preparations for the 2022 World Cup will adhere to international labour laws

 James M. Dorsey

Pork, Alcohol and Qatar: Setting the Limits to ‘Modernity’ and Global Ambition

Pork, Alcohol and Qatar: Setting the Limits to ‘Modernity’ and Global Ambition

JAMES M. DORSEY: The debate will determine Qatar’s effort to become a global sports hub, and its positioning as a forward-looking sponsor of change.

 James M. Dorsey

Qatar Alcohol Ban Underlines Internal Tensions

Qatar Alcohol Ban Underlines Internal Tensions

JAMES M. DORSEY: Alcohol has been banned on the Pearl Qatar, dubbed the ‘Arab Riviera’. It’s the latest manifestation of internal discord.

 James M. Dorsey

Blatter U-Turn Sees Door Closed on FIFA Investigation of Qatar’s World Cup Win

Blatter U-Turn Sees Door Closed on FIFA Investigation of Qatar’s World Cup Win

JAMES M. DORSEY: Sepp Blatter, a month after opening the door to an investigation of the Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid, has declared “case closed”.

 James M. Dorsey

Worrying Times: FIFA Opens Door to Investigation of Qatar’s World Cup Bid

Worrying Times: FIFA Opens Door to Investigation of Qatar’s World Cup Bid

JAMES M. DORSEY: In a worrying development for Qatar, the FIFA president has opened the door to a possible investigation into its successful World Cup bid.

 James M. Dorsey

Syrian Regime Looks to Soccer for Support

Syrian Regime Looks to Soccer for Support

JAMES M. DORSEY: ‘Bread and circuses’ are what the Roman emperors offered the people. ‘Bullets and soccer’ are what the Syrian regime appear to be offering today.

 James Mullan

News Analysis: Emirates and FIFA To Split?

News Analysis: Emirates and FIFA To Split?

Emirates Airline is one of the top sponsors of the football World Cup. But the less than sure-footed management of the beautiful game by FIFA means the two parties may be about to part company.

 James M. Dorsey

Bad Timing For Dubai’s First Soccer Hedge Fund

Bad Timing For Dubai’s First Soccer Hedge Fund

JAMES M. DORSEY: A Dubai bank has launched the region’s first alternative soccer fund modelled on European funds – amid rising fan opposition.

 James M. Dorsey

‘Cultural’ Symbol: Hijab Dispute Nears End

‘Cultural’ Symbol: Hijab Dispute Nears End

JAMES M. DORSEY: It has been a running sore between FIFA, football’s world governing body, and women’s football teams throughout the Islamic world.

 Rob L. Wagner

Kick It: Women’s Football On the Rise in Kingdom

Kick It: Women’s Football On the Rise in Kingdom

ROB L. WAGNER: ‘Unseemly’, ‘undignified’ and ‘a threat to players’ virginity’ in the eyes of religious conservatives but women’s football is making major strides in Saudi Arabia.

 James M. Dorsey

Bahrain: A Headache For Obama and Blatter

Bahrain: A Headache For Obama and Blatter

JAMES M. DORSEY: Mr. Obama does not want to put at risk the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet; nor does he want to cross what is a red line for Saudi.