Football under occupation: Palestine's struggle on and off the pitch
In this episode, the host speaks with former Palestine national football team coach Nicola Hadwa about the political dimensions of football and the 2026 World Cup.
Hadwa recounts his experience leading the Palestinian national team and describes the challenges faced by Palestinian players, including travel restrictions, border detentions, and the difficulties of competing under occupation.
He explains how he sought to unite Palestinians from the West Bank, Gaza, the 1948 territories, and the global diaspora into a single national team under the slogan "The Ball as a Banner of Struggle."
The conversation explores the role of football as a symbol of national identity, resistance, and international visibility for the Palestinian cause. Hadwa also criticizes FIFA, alleging political bias and unequal treatment, while sharing stories of disputed matches, controversial refereeing decisions, and efforts to oppose a proposed Palestine-Israel friendly match.
Throughout the interview, he argues that football is deeply intertwined with geopolitics and reflects broader struggles over power, representation, and national self-determination. The discussion concludes with the host announcing that Hadwa's remarkable testimony warrants a second installment dedicated to continuing the conversation.
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