Iran’s Soccer Censorship

Staff / Truthdig Sep 20, 2009 As protests in Iran continue, the extent to which the government will go to silence dissent has sunk to even further depths of ridiculousness. Protesters at a Tehran soccer match chanted and waved green banners, to which government censors responded by delaying the telecast of the game and editing out the crowd noise and close-ups. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

S. African Strike Threatens World Cup

Staff / Truthdig Jul 8, 2009 Talk about a trump card. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa is set to be a momentous occasion for the country to show itself off to the world. But a strike by 70,000 construction workers demanding pay increases has halted work on the stadiums being built for the tournament. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

North Korea Qualifies for 2010 World Cup

Staff / Truthdig Jun 19, 2009 After an uninspiring scoreless draw with fellow autocratic state Saudi Arabia, it seems that North Korea's football (soccer) team has managed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The qualification raises the possibility of a cup confrontation with South Korea -- or even the U.S. -- next summer. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

AIG: From Riches to Rags

Staff / Truthdig Jun 3, 2009 It looks like the $150 billion bailout of AIG included everything but advertising funds. After four years of the insurance giant's logo gracing the jerseys of one of the world's most famous soccer teams, troubled economic times are bumping the iconic symbol in favor of a new sponsor. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

A Kick-Start for the Homeless

Staff / Truthdig May 5, 2009 Four years ago, Lawrence Cann founded Street Soccer USA, an organization that empowers the homeless by giving them both a new perspective on the way they see themselves and a welcome break from daily problems. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Iraqi Soccer Champ Fears for His Life

Staff / Truthdig Jul 30, 2007 One might expect that Iraqi soccer star Younis Mahmoud (pictured, center), who scored the winning goal for his country in Sunday's Asian Cup finals game against Saudi Arabia, would have a hero's welcome waiting for him at home. Instead, Mahmoud plans to steer clear of his country for fear of being killed, and he voices the hope that American troops will withdraw as soon as possible. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Iraqis Celebrate Asian Cup Win

Staff / Truthdig Jul 29, 2007 At least some of the gunfire heard in Baghdad on Sunday was celebratory, for a change: Jubilant Iraqis flouted a government ban by firing shots into the air following Iraq's 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the final match of the Asian Cup soccer tournament. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Car Bombs Target Soccer Celebration

Staff / Truthdig Jul 26, 2007 Multiple car bombings killed at least 50 Iraqis in Baghdad on Wednesday as thousands celebrated a victory in the Asian Cup that advanced Iraq to the finals for the first time. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Oliver Stone of Iran

Reese Erlich / Truthdig Apr 25, 2007 The veteran journalist and Mideast traveler profiles Jafar Panahi (above), whose socially conscious films have earned him critical acclaim, box-office success and the unwelcome scrutiny of his government. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Head-Butting Soccer Star: Opponent Insulted My Family

Staff / Truthdig Jul 13, 2006 According to the AP: "Zinedine Zidane apologized for head-butting an Italian opponent during the World Cup final, saying Wednesday that he was provoked by harsh insults about his mother and sister." Watch the interview (in French, no subtitles) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Will Racism Bring Violence to World Cup?

Staff / Truthdig Jun 4, 2006 Soccer fans mocked with monkey noises and spit on Nigerian forward Adebowale Ogungbure as he left a soccer field in Germany in late March. It sounds like a story from another decade, but this type of violent racism might just destroy this year's World Cup. The NYT offers a must-read piece about the recent surge in racist sentiment among European soccer fans. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

U.S. Soccer Team Bus Will Show No Flag

Staff / Truthdig May 5, 2006 If you want an idea of America's image in the world, consider this: Of the 32 official buses transporting teams competing in soccer World Cup, only America's will not bear its national flag--for security reasons. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )