VOX POPULI: Even in the darkness, Gaza not forgotten at FIFA World Cup
Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a daily column that runs on Page 1 of The Asahi Shimbun.
- Share
- list
Palestinians watch a live broadcast of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, on July 7
Even Israel’s interminable blockade of Gaza has not killed the Palestinian people’s love of soccer.
On July 19, Gaza residents of all ages gathered in the dark to tune into a live TV broadcast of the FIFA World Cup final.
Israeli attacks continued during the quadrennial international soccer tournament. On July 7, an Israeli air strike killed Mohamed al-Wahidi, a 65-year-old humanitarian relief activist, who was organizing public screenings of World Cup matches in Gaza.
He died just before the Argentina-Egypt match–a hugely anticipated event for Gaza’s many Egypt supporters who were thrilled to see their favorite go against the veritable powerhouse, Argentina.
A sport that requires only one ball for even the poor to play and enjoy, soccer is among the most popular athletic pursuits in the world.
About 1.5 billion people across the world were said to have tuned into the previous World Cup final in 2022.
To fan popular frenzy and to distract people’s attention from the realities of the world are two sides of the same coin.
The United States continued to attack Iran during the World Cup. Domestically, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents fatally shot a Mexican national and a Colombian national.
It is said that politics should be kept out of sports. But this can also muzzle athletes and coaches from making even off-the-pitch pleas to help people in distress or call for solidarity.
“Football Unites the World” is FIFA’s slogan. And during the Final Halftime Show, a giant “LOVE” flag was rolled out onto the pitch.
Drenched in American-style commercialism, I wonder how much of all those platitudes meant to anyone.
I cannot forget this heartfelt statement made by the Egyptian head coach before the match against Argentina: “Through football, the world’s soft power, I want to send a message: Please, let the Palestinian people live.”
Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
- Share
- list
