As one sport’s contest approach its climax another has barely begun. Philosophy Football’s Mark Perryman reviews Spring books for those who measure their years out in seasons not months.
Are communities that are not directly political more effective today? More capable of resisting repression and able to maneuver and challenge the state’s iron fist?
On January 28, locals from western Aleppo gathered to watch a football match, as a testament to how powerful the effect of a single strategically positioned match can be on a dictator’s image.
The government's decision to keep stadia closed is a rejection of the demands of some of its key supporters in the business community—as well as those of Al Ahly and Al Zamalek team fan groups.
The match between Algeria and Germany was not solely the sporting equivalent of David and Goliath. The Algerian national team has a political history: from its creation by the FLN to its current outspoken support for the Palestinians,the Fennecs have brought revolt, internationalism and solidarity
Feted by everyone from politicians to prostitutes, the prospect of co-hosting the Euro 2012 football championships has become something of a substitute national idea for Ukraine. Such a pity, therefore, that it has done nothing to heal the population's deep divisions, or rein in an increasingly co