Lebanon’s citizenship offer for FIFA head sparks debate over equal rights Lebanon’s president has announced he will grant citizenship to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, sparking a wave of outrage. Lebanon
Culture Match-fixing probe shakes Turkey's football as referees, executives detained The football scandal expanded after the Turkish Football Federation's suspension of referees and assistants amid a nationwide betting probe. Turkey
NFL star Antonio Brown extradited from Dubai: What to know The US and the UAE do not have an extradition treaty, a factor that affected the proceedings against Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. United Arab Emirates
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans barred from UK soccer game over safety concerns Antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents are on the rise in the UK, with a recent report accusing British authorities of failing to address discrimination. Israel
Ice hockey brings together Tunisians across globe Tunisia’s national ice hockey team is helping diaspora Tunisians rediscover their ancestral roots, as they attempt to bring the winter sport to North African soil. Tunisia
How an Oklahoman is scoring goals in Iran A woman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has emerged as an unlikely mover and shaker in Iranian women’s soccer. Iran
Saudi Arabia looks to sports investments to score influence in Egypt Saudi Arabia has expanded its investment in the sports sector in Egypt by pumping millions into financing clubs and youth sports activities, a move that has triggered public resentment among some who see it as a means of gaining influence. Saudi Arabia
Jordanian coach instills confidence in youths with disabilities In a makeshift center in Jordan's Husn Palestinian refugee camp, a retired military coach not only teaches martial arts to youths with disabilities but also gives them confidence. Jordan
Skiers, snowboarders ride for peace in Lebanon One of the world's most extreme winter sporting events has held its first qualifying competition in Lebanon — a first for the country and region at large, putting the mountain on the global map. Lebanon
Egypt invests to curb sports 'game drain' to other states As Qatar and other countries lure Egyptian athletes with lucrative offers, Banque Misr has launched the Egyptian Sports Fund to support its national teams. Qatar
Iranian women steadfast in campaign to attend soccer matches Despite crackdowns and unfulfilled promises by politicians, female soccer fans in Iran continue to protest — and to cross-dress — in their efforts to attend matches at stadiums. Iran
Young Palestinian engineers hope to race to victory in recycled car Twelve young Palestinian engineers built a racing car from scratch and will compete in the Formula Student Competition in the United Kingdom this summer. Palestine
Syrian stars look to shine at Egyptian soccer academy An academy that helps gifted Syrian kids play in big soccer clubs sees talent and hope in Egypt. Egypt
Turkish sports in grip of doping scandals, imported athletes During the years of AKP rule, Turkey’s sports scene has seen an avalanche of doping scandals and an increase in “imported” athletes. Turkey
Aspiring Coptic soccer players finally make it to playing field In Egypt, where Copts who apply for soccer clubs get the standard reply “We’ll call you,” Je Suis Academy offers them a chance to train and overcome prejudices. Egypt
