ABSTRACT
Objective: This study explores the motivations and justifications driving
Palestinian sports fans to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup and support specific
national teams. The objective is to understand the underlying factors that
contribute to their engagement with this global sports event. Methods: The study
targeted 732 residents of Nablus Governorate with a primary interest in watching
football matches on television. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess
Palestinian fandom preferences concerning the FIFA World Cup 2022, covering
demographic information and reasons motivating Palestinians to watch the World
Cup. Results: The study reveals several significant associations between the
variables under investigation. Participants argued that the FIFA World Cup
serves as a platform to generate interest in the Palestinian cause and showcase the
Arab and Islamic cultures to foreign delegations. Additionally, the event
contributes to dispelling misconceptions about these cultures on a global scale.
Palestinian football supporters use their engagement with the 2022 FIFA World
Cup to express not only their passion and love for football but also their national,
cultural, and political identities. Conclusion: The findings underscore the
multifaceted nature of sports fandom as a means of communication, contributing
to a broader understanding of how global sports events intersect with cultural and
political dynamics.
Keywords: Culture, Fandom, FIFA World Cup, Palestine, Qatar, Rooting
Teams.

Title

An-Najah University Journal for Research – B Humanities

Publisher

An-Najah University Journal for Research – B Humanities

Publisher Country

Palestine

Indexing

Scopus

Impact Factor

None

Publication Type

Prtinted only

Volume

38

Year

2024

Pages

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