By James M. Dorsey Football is defeating efforts by wealthy Gulf States to impregnate themselves against the wave of protests that have swept the Middle East and North Africa in the past two years and sparked a brutal civil war in Syria. Once a prince’s uncontested playing ground that allowed royals to curry favour, strengthen …
By James M. Dorsey Egyptian authorities have expanded the ban on fans attending matches to include international as well as domestic matches in a bid to prevent violence that is likely to backfire and spark renewed incidents in a country reeling from economic decline, widespread discontent and lack of confidence in the government and law …
By James M. Dorsey The fallout of last year’s death of more than 70 football fans in a politically-loaded stadium riot has brought the need for reform of Egypt’s Mubarak-era law enforcement and judiciary to a head with football supporters in Egyptian cities protesting the verdicts of those accused of inciting the incident, and security …
The Ultras’ battle is a battle for karama, or dignity
