James M. Dorsey

Football ‘Ultras’ At The Heart of Egypt’s Latest Unrest

Football ‘Ultras’ At The Heart of Egypt’s Latest Unrest

JAMES DORSEY: They’re trying to maintain a balance but given the fact that the regime is increasingly painting them as Islamists how long can that last?

 James M. Dorsey

Militant Fans Once Again Battle for Egypt’s Future

Militant Fans Once Again Battle for Egypt’s Future

JAMES M. DORSEY: The opposing fans of Cairo soccer clubs Al Zamalek and Al Ahly are engaged in a separate but parallel struggle with the authorities

 James M. Dorsey

Egypt ‘Tests the Waters’ With Lift on ‘Soccer Fan Ban’

Egypt ‘Tests the Waters’ With Lift on ‘Soccer Fan Ban’

JAMES M. DORSEY: The Egyptian authorities are moving tentatively to check how radicalised football fans will react to the lifting of a ban on their attendance at matches.

 James M. Dorsey

Egyptian Football: A Litmus Test of Morsi’s Control

Egyptian Football: A Litmus Test of Morsi’s Control

JAMES M. DORSEY: The debate about soccer is as much about politics as it is about sports. It is a debate that is likely to be fought out politically rather than on the pitch.

 James M. Dorsey

Morsi’s Power Play In Sinai, and on the Pitch

Morsi’s Power Play In Sinai, and on the Pitch

JAMES M. DORSEY: Mr. Morsi’s response to this week’s killing of 16 Egyptian soldiers by militants has allowed him to position himself as the country’s co-commander-in-chief

 James M. Dorsey

Vodafone’s Egyptian Meltdown: Arab Spring Victim?

Vodafone’s Egyptian Meltdown: Arab Spring Victim?

JAMES M. DORSEY: It’s been a bad year for Vodafone in Egypt. Are the problems of their own making?

 James M. Dorsey

Football Fans Unite To Resist Egyptian Crackdown

Football Fans Unite To Resist Egyptian Crackdown

JAMES M. DORSEY: It looks like there’s been a sea-change in Egypt’s football politics – Ultras White Knights and Ultras Ahlawy have united.

 James M. Dorsey

Soccer Fans to Fore Again in Egyptian Protests

Soccer Fans to Fore Again in Egyptian Protests

JAMES M. DORSEY: It’s looking likely that the authorities will, for the second time this year, postpone or suspend professional soccer leagues.

 James M. Dorsey

Football Supporters Behind Attack on Israeli Embassy

Football Supporters Behind Attack on Israeli Embassy

JAMES DORSEY: The militant supporters of Al Ahly and Al Zemalek, who were prominent in the 25th January Revolution, were instrumental in the attack on the Israeli Embassy in Cairo.

 James M. Dorsey

Foreign Players Threaten to Turn Backs on Egypt

Foreign Players Threaten to Turn Backs on Egypt

JAMES M. DORSEY: Several Ittihad players failed to show up for training last week after the club had been unable to pay their housing rents. Cameroonian striker Edet Otobong was evicted from his home.

 James M. Dorsey

Al Ahly Opposes Matches in Support of Protesters

Al Ahly Opposes Matches in Support of Protesters

JAMES DORSEY: Al Ahly SC has publicly rejected plans by the Egyptian Football Association, to restart suspended league matches behind closed doors.

 James M. Dorsey

Ultra’s Organization Evident in Tahrir Square

Ultra’s Organization Evident in Tahrir Square

JAMES DORSEY: The organizational skills of the ultras, fanatical Cairo soccer fans, are emerging as opponents and supporters of President Mubarak.

 James M. Dorsey

Soccer Fans Play Key Role in Egyptian Protests

Soccer Fans Play Key Role in Egyptian Protests

JAMES M. DORSEY: The involvement of organized soccer fans in Egypt’s anti-government protests constitutes every Arab government’s worst nightmare.