It's a shame that politics couldn't be kept out of sports. I am sure many soccer fans would be happy if the two could be separated since soccer is so popular is huge parts of the world.
Conflicts Wracking Egyptian Soccer Reflect Countrys Political Malaise Analysis
January 30, 2014 James M. Dorsey
Multiple conflicts between Egypts military-backed government and the countrys foremost soccer clubs that pit militant soccer fans against both Egypts autocratic leaders and club managers could force world soccer governing body FIFA to suspend Egypt.
The disputes reflect the broader crisis that has shipwrecked Egypts transition from autocracy to a politically more liberal society following mass anti-government demonstrations in 2011 that forced President Hosni Mubarak to resign after 30 years in office. Militant soccer fans played a key role in the toppling of Mr. Mubarak and resistance to subsequent military rule.
In Egypts latest twists and turns, sports minister and former national soccer team player Taher Abou Zeid has spotlighted the Middle East and North Africas incestuous relationship between sports and politics that FIFA largely chooses to ignore. FIFA has a history of enforcing its nominal ban on political interference in football only when that intrusion becomes so flagrant that the soccer body is left with no choice but to act.
To continue reading, go to:
Conflicts Wracking Egyptian Soccer Reflect Country?s Political Malaise - Analysis Eurasia Review
Conflicts Wracking Egyptian Soccer Reflect Countrys Political Malaise Analysis
January 30, 2014 James M. Dorsey
Multiple conflicts between Egypts military-backed government and the countrys foremost soccer clubs that pit militant soccer fans against both Egypts autocratic leaders and club managers could force world soccer governing body FIFA to suspend Egypt.
The disputes reflect the broader crisis that has shipwrecked Egypts transition from autocracy to a politically more liberal society following mass anti-government demonstrations in 2011 that forced President Hosni Mubarak to resign after 30 years in office. Militant soccer fans played a key role in the toppling of Mr. Mubarak and resistance to subsequent military rule.
In Egypts latest twists and turns, sports minister and former national soccer team player Taher Abou Zeid has spotlighted the Middle East and North Africas incestuous relationship between sports and politics that FIFA largely chooses to ignore. FIFA has a history of enforcing its nominal ban on political interference in football only when that intrusion becomes so flagrant that the soccer body is left with no choice but to act.
To continue reading, go to:
Conflicts Wracking Egyptian Soccer Reflect Country?s Political Malaise - Analysis Eurasia Review
