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
Egyptian Militant Soccer Groups In ‘Surprising Unity Pact’
JAMES M. DORSEY: Two of Egypt’s leading groups of rival fans have combined to claim ownership of the football stadia.
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.
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 […]
‘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
Qatar’s World Cup: Striking While it’s (Very) Hot
Activists have stepped up calls for a boycott of the 2022 World Cup if Qatar fails to bring conditions for its majority foreign work force in line with international labor standards.
JAMES M. DORSEY: Activists have stepped up calls for a boycott of the 2022 World Cup if Qatar fails to bring conditions for its majority foreign work force in line with international labor standards.
Gulf rivalries and the Soccer Pitch: Persian or Gulf?
The battle between Iran and various Gulf state for the identity of the energy-rich region has spilled onto its soccer pitches. It’s the Persian Gulf League vs. the Arabian Gulf League.
JAMES M. Dorsey: The battle between Iran and various Gulf state for the identity of the energy-rich region has spilled onto its soccer pitches. It’s the Persian Gulf League vs. the Arabian Gulf League.
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
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?
‘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
New AFC Boss: The Clock is Ticking for Reform Agenda
JAMES M. DORSEY: Sheikh Salman Al Khalifa immediately following his election last week pledged that he will pursue reform vigorously. Let us see.
Zarooni’s Hard Lesson: Don’t Mess With ‘Brand Dubai’
ALEXANDER MCNABB: The success of Dubai’s Godolphin Stables has been one of the pillars that has built Dubai’s reputation. The doping scandal comes as a huge shock.
No World Cup in Qatar Trade Unions Demand
International trade unions have called on world soccer body FIFA to deprive Qatar of its right to host the 2022 World Cup because it has failed to end what they term 21st century slavery and adopt international labor standards for the Gulf state’s more than one million foreign workers.
JAMES M. DORSEY: International trade unions have called on world soccer body FIFA to deprive Qatar of its right to host the 2022 World Cup.
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
Football: Buying into Globalised Britain
Top flight football in England continues to be at the wild frontier of business – to the extent that it’s a business at all. I’m with Richard Bevan, the chief executive of the English League Managers Association when he says that the number of sackings of soccer managers in the English professional game is “embarrassing”.
STEVE ROYSTON: Many of their forays into football look like bouts of temporary insanity from where I stand. But then I guess it’s more fun than investing in a bank, and no more risky.
Israeli Club’s Racism ‘Undermines Founding Principle’
JAMES M. DORSEY: Beitar Jerusalem’s problems surrounding the signing of two Muslim players underscores many of Israel’s issues with the international community
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.
Port Said Verdict: Who Was Really Responsible?
JAMES DORSEY: The belief among many people in Port Said is that its fans, team and city have been ‘thrown to the wolves’.
Video: UAE Wins Gulf Cup
Good times in the UAE, as the Gulf Country beats Iraq to take the Gulf Cup in 2013.
