Middle East/Sport

Tunisian tennis star inspiring Arab women to take up the sport

'It doesn't matter, Tunisia or Egypt or Morocco, I really want to see more (Arab) players'

Afghan women's football team makes debut with Australia game

'We still continue our fight and our combat just to play for the Afghanistan people'

Israelis at Qatar World Cup a ‘headache’ for security establishment

'I didn’t expect these numbers already now, in seven months before the World Cup'

Iran again bans women from football stadium

About 2,000 women who bought tickets to match against Lebanon denied entry

German FA pressed on Qatar human rights stance ahead of World Cup

'We must put the political, social and all related issues on the table'

Saudi Arabia pledges max security for F1 drivers after Houthi attack

Despite recent attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, Formula One received 'assurances' the race can be held safely

UAE hosting inaugural 'Abraham Accords Festival and Games'

Senior officials from US, Israel, UAE, Bahrain and Morocco to participate in event at Expo 2020 Dubai

Afghanistan: Goat-pulling game draws fans despite crisis

The game provides a welcome diversion from domestic woes for some fans

Saudi women’s soccer team plays first-ever match

'The biggest news in the Middle East, not only in sports,' journalist Uri Levy tells i24NEWS

Golf star Phil Mickelson will deal with Saudi league

'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates,' Phil Mickelson says

Arruabarrena takes over as new UAE head football coach

'We want to take the chance that we have to qualify and make the best use of the current situation'

Fears growing over missing Iranian wrestler

'It’s such a restrictive situation for people who just want to play their sports'

Women attend Iran-Iraq football match in Tehran stadium

Bahari says 'I wished to have my husband beside me but they said men and women are segregated'

Saudi Arabia launches group to develop esports

Gulf state seeking opportunities to diversify its oil-dependent economy

Amnesty Int’l urges soccer clubs to stand against Saudi Arabia

Amnesty sent the clubs purple armbands to wear to showcase their solidarity

Loeb claims 7th stage victory at Saudi Arabia Dakar Rally

However, it was not all plain sailing for France's Sebastien Loeb at the Dakar Rally

Iran powerlifter defects to avoid repping Soleimani

'I refused to wear the shirt and I was confronted with threats: Both you and your family will face problems'

Iran federation defends footballer in row over 'Israel flag' jersey

'He is one of the greats of Iranian football' and 'a symbol of pride for the Islamic Republic of Iran'

Soccer star Mo Salah under fire for Christmas photo

Many fans saw the photo of Salah under a Christmas tree as going against the principles of the Muslim faith

Algerian players boycott soccer match with Israeli coach

North African country officially does not recognize the Jewish state

Algeria, Tunisia advance to FIFA Arab Cup Final

North African neighbors to play in title match of Qatar-hosted tournament this Saturday

Magnus Carlsen wins World Chess Championship

After over three hours, Carlsen achieved his fifth win in five world championship matches

FIFA president thanks Arab Cup’s 'number one team' in Qatar

Infantino also referred to the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent game during his address

Dubai Expo hosts the World Chess Championship

Competitors at the World Chess Championships are playing for a grand prize of $2.5 million