James M. Dorsey

Women, Soccer and Islam: A Potent Mix

Women, Soccer and Islam: A Potent Mix

JAMES DORSEY: Even though Saudi Arabia did not qualify for the World Cup it’s being followed avidly by women in the Kingdom

 James M. Dorsey

Bigotry and Racism: The Ugly Face of Israeli Soccer

Bigotry and Racism: The Ugly Face of Israeli Soccer

JAMES DORSEY: It’s a depressing story that only seems to worsen by the day – racism in Israeli soccer is blight on its society.

 James M. Dorsey

Sectarian Divisions Being Played Out on the Football Field

Sectarian Divisions Being Played Out on the Football Field

Sectarian divisions fuelling conflict across the Middle East have spilt on to the soccer pitch with Iraq’s decision to boycott the Gulf Cup and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) warning the Iraqi government not to interfere in the game. It is hard to separate the divisions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims that governments in Bahrain […]

 James M. Dorsey

‘Buy Low, Sell High’: Gulf Investors New Football Strategy

JAMES DORSEY: The recent acquisition by a Saudi Prince of a lower-tier English football team points to a new direction for Middle Eastern magnates

 James M. Dorsey

World Cup Qualifier Comes At A ‘Volatile Moment’ in Iran

World Cup Qualifier Comes At A ‘Volatile Moment’ in Iran

JAMES M. DORSEY: Today’s World Cup qualifier will be monitored closely by the authorities in Tehran

 Jonathan Cook

Israel’s ‘Football Coup’ Prompts BDS Focus on Sport

Israel’s ‘Football Coup’ Prompts BDS Focus on Sport

JONATHAN COOK: Israelis are basking in the warm glow of playing host to a major international sporting event. Is it though the beginning of a South African style campaign focused on sport?

 James M. Dorsey

‘Women Welcome’: Progress But Heat Rises in Saudi Stadiums

‘Women Welcome’: Progress But Heat Rises in Saudi Stadiums

JAMES DORSEY: It’s a significant move by the Saudi authorities but rising discontent is evident on the terraces in the Kingdom

 James M. Dorsey

Game On: Turkey Fights Gulf For Sports Hub Mantle

Game On: Turkey Fights Gulf For Sports Hub Mantle

JAMES DORSEY: A battle between Turkey and the states of the Arabian Gulf to be the de-facto sports hub of the Middle East is underway

 James M. Dorsey

In Israel and Egypt The Stench of Racism Grows Stronger

In Israel and Egypt The Stench of Racism Grows Stronger

JAMES DORSEY: Whether it’s Israeli football teams or Egyptian presidents accusations of racism are running rife throughout the region.

 Editor, MEP

Video: UAE Wins Gulf Cup

Good times in the UAE, as the Gulf Country beats Iraq to take the Gulf Cup in 2013.