World Cup Soccer in the Middle East

The Middle East is a blessed region, rich in natural resources and gifted people but has not been able to perform at the elite level. Soccer or as it is called in the region, “football” is the number one sport in the Middle East, although politics and other issues keep middle eastern countries divided and not sufficiently engaged at the national level with soccer. This is a story of a humble student from Cairo visiting the United States, getting inspired from a Caribbean vacation, and after studies deciding to bring the Middle East together through soccer - winning the First World Cup - and eventually “Peace”. This story presents good illustrations of soccer, humor, poetry, and politics to motivate all Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike as well as to “unite” them all on and off the field. Let us “Forgive” before we Pray!

The Middle East is a blessed region, rich in natural resources and gifted people but has not been able to perform at the elite level. Soccer or as it is called in the region, “football” is the number one sport in the Middle East, although politics and other issues keep middle eastern countries divided and not sufficiently engaged at the national level with soccer. This is a story of a humble student from Cairo visiting the United States, getting inspired from a Caribbean vacation, and after studies deciding to bring the Middle East together through soccer - winning the First World Cup - and eventually “Peace”. This story presents good illustrations of soccer, humor, poetry, and politics to motivate all Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike as well as to “unite” them all on and off the field. Let us “Forgive” before we Pray!

Stephen E. Sealy has a Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Management. He is currently an International Accounting Specialist with one of the largest behavioral and social science research non-profits organizations in the world. He travels extensively to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East for financial training and compliance monitoring. Mr. Sealy represented the famous Caribbean island of Saint Lucia (home of two Nobel Laureates) as a youth player. He was recognized as a League Legend in 1999 by the Washington Cricket league, and was the former President of the Saint Lucia DC Association. Mr. Sealy has a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and is an avid golfer.