Demystifying Arabs: Is soccer Arab societies’ ‘crystal ball’?

ABSTRACT

The current paper explores Arab societies through the lens of soccer rivalries. The rhetoric around soccer and identity in Arab countries illuminates a comprehensive overview on what is happening in these societies. Arguably soccer in the case of Arab societies clarifies the boundaries between ‘us’ and ‘them’ and provides clear aspects of contemporary culture. Soccer reveals that Arab countries are deeply divided societies where there is a lack of a sense of clear identity. The rivalry, in Arab countries, between local soccer teams is more of an identity, ideological, sectarian, historical, or class clash than one of mere sports competition.

KEYWORDS:

• Soccer
• identity
• rivalries
• Arab societies
• Arab fans

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Prof. Shaul Mishal – Council on Middle East Studies – Yale University for fruitful numerous discussions and his for enthusiasm about intentions for this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Tifo is an Italian word used (in many European countries, but not including Italy) for any choreography displayed by fans in the stands of a soccer stadium.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Saeb F. Al Ganideh

Saeb F. Al Ganideh is a Visiting Professor at the Council on Middle East Studies, Yale University. His research interests are in identity dynamics and group relations, especially inter-Arab rivalries.