Is this a new era in Palestinian football?
After years of an unofficial policy that saw the national team not calling up players who ply their trade in the Israeli Premier League, ahead of the September international window, the Palestinian FA selected Ameed Mahajne (Hapoel Umm Al Fahm) and Alaa a-Din Hasan (Bnei Sakhnin).
Palestine will meet Oman and Vietnam for friendlies, officially kicking off their preparation for the 2023 Asian Cup early next year.
Coach Makram Dabdoub has called up every notable Palestinian footballer playing abroad - including Oday Dabbagh, Tamer Seyam and Mohammed Bassem Rashid - as well as familiar faces from the local league.
The inclusion of Mahajne and Hasan is a strong precedent.
In recent years the Palestinian FA should have paid more attention to the opportunity to call on players in the Israeli football system, and not to show normalisation with the political situation between Israel and the Palestinians.
Hamadeh was selected while playing for Bnei Sakhnin a few years ago, yet he did not appear for the national side.
Eventually, Alaa a-Din Hassen made his debut, as he was included in Palestine lineup in the 2-1 defeat against Oman.
A long-waited change in call-up policy may mark a new dawn for Palestinian-Israelis who play in Israel, and for Palestinian football as a whole.
It will open a massive market of talent that will now be available to represent the nation on the international stage.
🇴🇲🆚🇵🇸
— Football Palestine (@FutbolPalestine) September 6, 2023
A debut for Hassan Alaa Aldeen and a return for Captain Musab Al-Battat.
Palestine vs. Oman kicks off in 30 minutes. pic.twitter.com/iPo6LPvTLi
Saudi Clasico attracts attention
Last Friday, the Saudi Clasico between Al Hilal and Al Ittihad saw the Blues winning 4-3, after a tremendous comeback saw them battle back from 3-1 down.
A strong start and a beautiful back heel for Karim Benzema weren’t enough for the champions, as a hat-trick for Alexander Mitrovic and a classic Salem Al Dawsari goal made it 4-3 to Al Hilal in a thrilling encounter.
The world watched and reacted.
This game, interestingly enough, became the first Saudi Pro League match to be broadcast in Iran.
As the relationship between the countries warms up, it seems like the current football revolution of the Saudi Pro League is starting to make its impact on the other side of the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia and Iran matches to be played home-and-away
Speaking of the warming relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, on Monday the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed that all matches between the national teams and clubs of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) will take place on a home-and-away basis.
This positive development follows a groundbreaking agreement between the SAFF and FFIRI on Monday, which had been duly communicated to the AFC.
Before this agreement between the two, all matches at the club and national team levels were mandated to be played in neutral venues, following a 2016 decision caused by tension between the two countries.
This historic move reflects the current trend in Saudi and Iranian relations, and the SAFF and FFIRI's commitment towards fostering closer ties between their respective footballing communities.
Passionate fans across Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the rest of Asia can now look forward to a new chapter in club and national team football.
🇸🇦A total madness is the only way to describe this Saudi clasico. What a comeback by Al-Hilal! 🔵⚪️pic.twitter.com/DYjcASGxIk
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) September 1, 2023
Banaat FC break women’s football glass-ceiling in the UAE
At the end of August, a unique statement emerged from the UAE football community, the foundation of a new women's club, Banaat FC.
The club was founded with a mission: to restore and amplify the stature of women's football in the UAE, ensuring it receives attention and opportunities.
The UAE national team veteran Noora Al Mazrouie, leads the venture, along with players like Amal Wael and goalie Maha Al Blooshi on board.
"Community is our backbone," says Budreya Faisal, the driving force behind the club, “their support will be our strength."
With the growing impact women's football is having across the world, and the region itself, Banaat FC may mark the entrance of the UAE to the evolving world of women's football.
Edited by Alex Smith
