Culture Iran war hits Saudi gaming drive as Esports Nations Cup pushed to 2027 The postponement is a blow for the kingdom, which has made growing its esports sector one of the main priorities under its Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia
Culture How Argentina-Spain World Cup final became debate over Israel, Palestine Governments and fans alike have turned teams and players into symbols of political division. Palestine
Culture What a Zidane pick to coach France means in post-Deschamps era After the loss in the semifinals, French-Algerian football star Zinedine Zidane will replace the retiring Didier Deschamps as coach of Les Bleus. Algeria
France ends Morocco’s World Cup run as last Arab and African team standing Following the loss, no Arab or African teams remain in the tournament. Morocco
Saudi judoka earns praise for facing Israeli opponent at Tokyo Olympics Tahani Alqahtani is the first Saudi woman to compete in judo at the Olympics, bucking the trend of Middle Eastern and North African athletes refusing to face Israelis at the games. News Brief
Controversial cleric’s ‘modesty call’ to Turkish volleyball team bounces back at him Following a victory by the Turkish women's volleyball team over China at the Tokyo Olympics, the all-too-familiar debate on women’s decency and clothes raised its head when a cleric urged the players to observe modesty in dress and behavior. Turkey
Sudanese judoka refuses to face Israeli opponent Some athletes in the Middle East and North Africa face domestic pressures to refuse to face Israelis in competition. News Brief
Israeli soccer club calls off match with Barcelona in Jerusalem Faced with pressure by pro-Palestinian elements, Barcelona preferred having its soccer game against Beitar Jerusalem canceled, rather than play in Jerusalem. Israel
Turkish soccer team flies home from Greece after virus test row Turkey, which has worked to repair its long-strained relations with Greece this year, summoned the Greek ambassador over the issue on Tuesday. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Palestinians criticize FC Barcelona over possible match with Israeli team Spain's elite soccer club has not confirmed it will play the Israeli team Beitar Jerusalem. Palestine
Syrian opposition organizes Arabian horse festival In the areas controlled by the Turkish-backed opposition in the countryside of Aleppo, equestrian sports are alive with the first purebred Arabian horse festival. Syria
Italians build Gaza’s largest sports park The Gaza Strip will have a huge recreational sports project, which includes one of the largest skateboard tracks in the Middle East. Palestine
Yoga for Gaza paramedics raises controversy A social club in Gaza has organized a one-time event to give a yoga session for paramedics who suffered psychological trauma during the latest Israel escalation. Palestine
The Takeaway: Iran deal on front burner before Raisi takes office Also: Bibi plots his comeback, a woman boxing coach trains men in Egypt, and the latest from Gaza, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey. Iran
Qatar to require World Cup spectators be fully vaccinated The four-week World Cup tournament will hold all of its matches in full stadiums. Qatar
Abu Dhabi to host Pakistani cricket competition The Emirati city has experience hosting sport events during the pandemic from the Fight Island mixed martial arts series. News Brief
