The Cairo Derby took over Abu Dhabi and reminded Uri of good old days when then rivalry hosted fans of Al-Ahly and Zamalek; Hilal Al-Quds players are going to play in the AFC Cup, despite having their future unknown.
The weekly column that explores football in the most intense region of them all, with stories from Jerusalem, the Gulf and the winter transfer window.
Iran and the AFC home venues saga, history in the Palestinian national team and the sad story of football in Lebanon. The past week was full of stories in the Middle Eastern football universe. Uri has picked three major of them.
Iran and USA’s recent political feud has spilled over to the football field - the USMNT has canceled it’s planned training camp in Qatar due to security fears, and Sergino Dest from Ajax decided on a similar action. As we already know, it’s impossible to disconnect politics and sports.
Al-Hilal Riyadh managed to hold Flamengo in the Club World Cup semifinal, only to lose in the end. Yet, the performance has gained Asian and Middle Eastern football some important points on the world stage.
