Rooted in history: The politics of middle eastern and North African soccer

Abstract

Soccer has played a role across the globe in the formation, expression and projection of national identity. But nowhere has the impact of sports in general and soccer in particular been as profound and as consistent and persistent in the Middle East and North Africa since its introduction by colonial powers in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. As this chapter illustrates, its influence was felt in terms of nation, state and regime formation; assertion of national identity; the struggle for independence; republicanism versus monarchy; ideological battles; and fights for human, political, gender and labor rights.