Model of Sport in the Arab World: A European Approach? in The European Model of Sport Myth or Reality? Edited By Borja García, Vanja Smokvina

Abstract

Models of sport in the Arab World are influenced by historical, geographical, demographic, and economic relations, as well as interactions with Europe. The historical dimension can be explained by the colonial past and its legacy concerning the modernization (and professionalization) of the sport agenda in the region. Furthermore, there is a dependency, to some extent, of former colonized countries on (and in opposition to) former colonizers, particularly regarding the movements of players and coaches. The geographic proximity of the Arab World to Europe, including the North African region in particular, has significantly contributed to the strong European influence in the regulation and organization of the national sports system and market, including, for example, the domain of sport TV broadcasting. Economically, this chapter highlights the growing influence of Arab sport investment in the European sport market and how the influx of money from the Gulf region, in particular, is affecting (and defining) the relationships between Europe and the Arab World in sport.