The Syrian soccer federation is already building a new future following the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The national soccer team will update its kits with a new logo as part of the Syrian flag’s change from Red to green.
“The first historic change to happen in the history of Syrian sports, far from nepotism, favoritism and corruption,” wrote the Syrian soccer federation on Facebook.
Syrian football has abandoned the Red, which is associated with six decades of Assad’s family’s authoritarian rule, in favor of green, a symbolic change.
Green, long associated with the rebel flag, evokes a sense of renewal and hope. However, the jury is out on the country’s long-term identity and aspirations. As goes politics, as goes football.
A star returns amid Syria’s football revival
Syria’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Omar Al Somah, who plies his club trade in the Qatar Stars League for Al-Arabi, also announced his return to the team. He previously quit due to the ongoing Civil War. Syria hasn’t hosted an international game on its soil since 2010.
“Congratulations to #Syria, congratulations to all Syrians, and congratulations to this steadfast people. May God have mercy on our martyrs and grant them a place in His spacious Paradise… God willing, this will be the beginning of a new phase of unity, reconstruction, and prosperity, and it will always remain #Free_Syria 12/8/2024 💚,” he wrote.
Syria qualified for the last 16 of the Asian Cup for the first time in their history earlier this year.
Can Syria’s new era tackle challenges beyond the pitch?
Photos: Facebook/syrianfa
