UAE exploits football to counter charges of human rights abuse
The UAE's acquisition of football franchises is attracting attention away from its…
Lebanese sports scandals fuel tensions
By James M Dorsey As Lebanon, a country in which almost every…
Gulf rivalries spill onto the football pitch
By James M Dorsey The battle between Iran and various Gulf states…
FIFA reaffirms its role as a pillar of established order
By James M Dorsey A recent visit by world football body FIFA…
Tactical retreat: Ultras absent from protests in Egypt and Turkey
By James M. Dorsey Militant, highly politicised football fans who played key…
UEFA decision highlights murky Turkish football politics
By James M. Dorsey A decision by European football body UEFA to…
Transition in Qatar: Will he or won’t he?
By James M. Dorsey Conventional wisdom predicts that 33-year old Sheikh Tamim…
Morsi turns to Syria and football to polish his tarnished image
By James M. Dorsey President Mohamed Morsi and his flailing Muslim Brotherhood…
Tahrir’s lesson for Taksim: Police brutality unites battle-hardened fans
By James M. Dorsey If there is one lesson Turkish Prime Minister…
Football emerges as focal point of dissent in Saudi Arabia
By James M. Dorsey Football, alongside minority Shi’a Muslims and relatives…