Despite Syria and Israel both playing behind closed doors - this week, in both competitions, it was all about the fans. From Aleppo, to Tel Aviv and via Jerusalem. Middle Eastern football belongs to the fans.
This Week in Middle Eastern Football: Transfer Window & Qualifications
The weekly column that explores football in the most intense region of them all, with stories from Jerusalem, the Gulf and the winter transfer window.
Hungover and Lackluster: Israel Lose to Poland
Israel and Poland met in Jerusalem for a dead rubber Euro qualifier. The Poles won easily, and the Israelis played so poorly that one might wonder if it’s due to celebrations of qualifying to the play-off stage.
Arab Club Championship: Dima Raja in Jerusalem
Raja Casablanca in Jerusalem is a mega event. A match against Hilal Al-Quds could put the focus on Palestinian football and its players, who will try to write another chapter in their exciting and young football history.
Hilal Al-Quds: Jerusalem's Blue Moons grab Asian Glory
Palestinian club football has been regressing in the past two years, but then Hilal Al-Quds decided to do something about it, and qualified for the AFC Cup group stage for the first time in their history.