Palestinian football and national identity under occupation

Abstract

ABSTRACTNational and international sporting competitions have become important sites in establishing, maintaining and celebrating expressions of national identity and nationhood. Research question: This article aims to show how sport and national identity are manifest in Palestinian football, the difficulties faced by Palestinian footballers, and how football is being used to draw attention to the Palestinian struggle for a homeland. It begins with a brief outline of the origins of the Israel/Palestine conflict and of Palestinian national identity. A brief summary of the literature on sport, football and national identity is given before outlining the history of Palestinian football. Results / Findings: The article then discusses contemporary issues within Palestinian society, before examining the actions of the Israeli state in limiting the development of Palestinian football. Support for Palestinians from non-Palestinians is noted before concluding with the suggestion that football represents a promising opportunity to promote Palestine on an international stage. The intention is to stimulate a discussion on the role of football for a people under occupation.