I always assumed that everyone knew no country would ever be awarded a World Cup without pricey gifts exchanging hands under the tables. Rabih Alameddine Read Quote
No one needs to be reminded of racism in soccer: the xenophobia, the nativism and, yes, nationalism. Rabih Alameddine Read Quote
The relationship between France and its ‘foreign’ players – blacks and North African Arabs – has always been troubled, particularly with Algerians. Rabih Alameddine Read Quote
In 1982, Algeria made their first appearance at the World Cup. I believe it was the first Arab country to do so. Rabih Alameddine Read Quote
If you go through any culture that has had wars, go to the bomb shelters, and you’ll hear some amazing stories. Yes, it’s a necessary thing that we actually both distract ourselves and it’s a way to bond. Rabih Alameddine Read Quote
In school in Lebanon, we were not allowed to speak Arabic during breaks – it had to be French or English. Rabih Alameddine Read Quote
There are over 1 million refugees in Lebanon, a country of 4 million people. How do we solve that? I have no idea. What’s going on, I really don’t know. Rabih Alameddine Read Quote
In Lebanon, there are completely different opinions and values in one country in terms of religion, modernity, tradition, East and West – which allows for a kind of intellectual development not available anywhere else. Rabih Alameddine Read Quote
I can easily hold two opposing beliefs at the same time without any problem, which I find – well, mind-expanding, really. Rabih Alameddine Read Quote
