Football
All topics-
Germany and the Gulf
Balancing ethics and economics
Germany needs a strategy when brokering deals with countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates that allows it to maintain its own moral compass. By Sebastian Sons
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FIFA, France and Qatar
Qatar Airways' own goal
While the ongoing legal dispute between Qatar Airways and European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has sent shockwaves across the entire global aviation sector, it may also threaten preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. By Stasa Salacanin
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Qatar World Cup 2022
Fans: "Abolish sexual and gender identity penalties"
Unflattering terms were used at a German Football Association human rights congress aimed at "intensifying the discussion" ahead of the World Cup. One speaker in particular made waves with an impassioned personal plea. James Thorogood reports
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Women’s football in Morocco
Jump-starting women's football in the Arab world
The Women's Africa Cup this year in Morocco was a resounding success. The Moroccan team was the first Arab women's football team to qualify for a World Cup. By John Duerden
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Afghan soccer star "Nadia"
From child refugee to professional footballer
The documentary "Nadia" tells the incredible story of Nadia Nadim, who was forced to flee from the Taliban as a child and became a football star. By Annabelle Steffes-Halmer
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Football in Africa
Mane, Salah and more – Six stars to watch at the Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations begins in Cameroon on Sunday with the continent's top-ranked side Senegal seen as the team to beat alongside reigning champions Algeria.
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Sport – soft power trend in Gulf foreign and domestic policy
CARPO Research Forum: Road to World Cup 2022
The upcoming CARPO research forum on 30 November 2021 aims to shed more light on the role sport plays in the Gulf region, highlighting obstacles and grievances, while also examining opportunities for future social and political development
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Takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi PIF
Mohammed bin Salman and the Premier League: more than a game
The takeover of English football club Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment Fund is more than an attempt by the Kingdom to boost its own image. There are strategic economic interests behind the deal. Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman is also looking to consolidate his position at home. By Sebastian Sons
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Berlin's Human Rights Film Festival
"Captains of Zaatari" – the unshakeable power of dreams
Berlin's annual Human Rights Film Festival closed at the weekend. One entry to the festival was the documentary "Captains of Zaatari". Its Egyptian director Ali El Arabi focuses on young refugees from Syria, who dream of escaping their dismal life in the Zaatari refugee camp with the help of football. Rene Wildangel reports for Qantara.de
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Migration policy
Europe's migrants are part of the solution
Migrants are often maligned as being responsible for Europe's problems. Yet their integration is in Europe's interest. Michael Thaidigsmann believes that a long-term vision is overdue
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Saudi Arabia, football and the Olympics
Making the leap from off-side to big league?
The Saudi national team is set to play the German Olympic squad at the Olympics in Tokyo later this month – a chance for the outsiders to make their mark. At the same time, and keen to buff up the nation's badly tarnished image, the Kingdom is looking to pitch for glory in the multi-million dollar football business. It's a risky strategy. By Sebastian Sons
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EURO 2020: Racism in football
Racists, not missed penalties, are the problem
The final defeat against Italy hurt England – but the racist insults against Saka, Sancho and Rashford were far more painful, revealing the deep rift running through English society. Commentary by Joscha Weber