Football in Yemen: Rituals of Resistance, Integration and Identity

As documented in many parts of the world, football clubs are important symbols of resistance, integration and identity. This article traces the multiple roles of sport rituals in North Yemen and South Yemen. In each nation, football has been a symbol of resistance to colonial or imāmate power and of regional integration into and identification with nationalist and state agencies. Before their union in 1990, football matches between the two Yemens were symbolic expressions of the success of the nations' opposing ideologies. The union of the two nations was marked by widespread public support but few obvious indications of unity or identity. Since unification, football rituals have been used to promote a new national identity. The first national football championship and the selection of a national team were instances where union was obvious. While a new national identity may be emerging, there are renewed signs of football as a symbol of resistance.