Egypt's Football Revolution: Emotion, Masculinity, and Uneasy Politics

Football played a significant role in the Egyptian revolution of 2011, both as a symbol of the government's power and as a tool for the people to challenge it. After the fall of Mubarak, fans questioned their previous support and called for a reformed football for a new, postrevolutionary nation. Carl Rommel's book explores the politics of football as a space for ordinary Egyptians and state forces to negotiate a masculine Egyptian chauvinism, and how the highly organized and dedicated Ultras fans became a key revolutionary force through their antiregime activism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2021
Publisher: University of Texas Press

In the context of the 2011 revolution in Egypt, football played a significant role as both a symbol of the Mubarak government's power and a tool in constructing national identity. During the late 2000s, the state heavily promoted football, leading to a surge in its popularity among Egyptians. However, when Mubarak fell, fans began to question their previous support, calling for a reformed football that could serve as a vehicle for a new, post-revolutionary nation.

In his book, Carl Rommel delves into the politics of football as a space where ordinary Egyptians and state forces negotiated a masculine Egyptian chauvinism. Drawing on extensive fieldwork with fans, players, journalists, and coaches, Rommel explores the increasing attention paid to football during the Mubarak era, its decline following the 2011 uprisings and the 2012 Port Said massacre, which resulted in the deaths of seventy-two football fans, and its recent rehabilitation.

One of the key aspects of the book is the role played by Cairo's highly organized and dedicated Ultras fans. These fans became a powerful revolutionary force through their anti-regime activism, challenging previous styles of fandom and bringing to light the entrenched connections between sport and politics. As football's appeal grew, alternative conceptions of masculinity, emotion, and politics emerged, either demanding or preventing revolution and reform.

Through his analysis, Rommel sheds light on the complex dynamics that shaped the football revolution in Egypt. He highlights the ways in which football became a site of resistance and activism, providing a platform for ordinary Egyptians to voice their grievances and demand change. At the same time, he also acknowledges the ways in which football was used by the state to maintain control and suppress dissent.

The book offers valuable insights into the role of sports in social movements and the ways in which they can be used as tools for political transformation. It also raises important questions about the boundaries between sport and politics, the responsibilities of athletes and fans, and the potential for sports to promote or hinder social change.

In conclusion, Egypt's Football Revolution is a thought-provoking and insightful book that provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the politics of sport and social movements. By examining the role of football in the 2011 revolution, Rommel offers a nuanced and complex analysis of the ways in which sports can shape political outcomes and the challenges that arise when sports and politics intersect.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477323175