Karim Zidan
@karimzidan.com
Karim Zidan is a journalist, author and custodian of the art estate belonging to his pioneering grandmother, Menhat Helmy.
Subscribe: https://www.sportspolitika.news/subscribe
And: https://www.menhathelmy.com/
Subscribe: https://www.sportspolitika.news/subscribe
And: https://www.menhathelmy.com/
Reposted by Karim Zidan
This one’s in my backyard. Folks, we need to take a harder line stance against hate groups in the martial arts community. I get nobody wants to bring politics into their gym, but removing neo-Nazis from our sport shouldn’t be a controversial ask.
November 11, 2025 at 1:34 AM
This one’s in my backyard. Folks, we need to take a harder line stance against hate groups in the martial arts community. I get nobody wants to bring politics into their gym, but removing neo-Nazis from our sport shouldn’t be a controversial ask.
Reposted by Karim Zidan
Genocidal rhetoric leads to genocidal behavior
Israeli soldiers speak out on killings of Gaza civilians
IDF soldiers tell documentary of opening fire unprovoked and arbitrary designations of who was an enemy
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Genocidal rhetoric leads to genocidal behavior
Reposted by Karim Zidan
Another betting scandal is threatening the UFC's reputation. Yet with the FBI now headed by a Trump loyalist, any notion of a legitimate crackdown is not just improbable—it’s absurd.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/ufc-bettin...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/ufc-bettin...
The Ballad of the Fixed Fight
Another betting scandal is threatening the UFC's reputation. Yet with the FBI now headed by a Trump loyalist, any notion of a legitimate crackdown is not just improbable—it’s absurd.
www.sportspolitika.news
November 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Another betting scandal is threatening the UFC's reputation. Yet with the FBI now headed by a Trump loyalist, any notion of a legitimate crackdown is not just improbable—it’s absurd.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/ufc-bettin...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/ufc-bettin...
Reposted by Karim Zidan
“Fifa is a parastate that acts like a parasite, treating World Cup hosts like its own private Vegas buffet.”
🔥🔥🔥🔥
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My latest @theguardian.com: As a genuine soccer fan & generational political talent, freshly elected NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani might be able to achieve the unthinkable: force the FIFA behemoth to share its lucre by targeting its tax exemptions & extreme privilege www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Zohran Mamdani has upended US politics. Now he should take on Fifa | Jules Boykoff
New York’s mayor-elect has taken on powerful institutions. With the World Cup taking place in his city, he should challenge Fifa next
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:54 PM
“Fifa is a parastate that acts like a parasite, treating World Cup hosts like its own private Vegas buffet.”
🔥🔥🔥🔥
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Reposted by Karim Zidan
TL;DR: to put it in sports terms that may be more easily understood, anti-trans policies and politicians are fucking losers.
NEW! “Eddy’s appearance on Fox and Friends this morning was perhaps a sign that she is setting herself for a post-soccer career that mirrors another underperforming athlete—Riley Gaines.”
someone tell the women's sports leagues that transphobia is a losing issue
also, have the transphobes tried simply being better at sports??
www.thefrankiedlc.news
November 6, 2025 at 1:36 AM
TL;DR: to put it in sports terms that may be more easily understood, anti-trans policies and politicians are fucking losers.
Reposted by Karim Zidan
yes
The Anti-Trans Grifters Are Coming For The NWSL | Defector
In July, the Guardian reported that the NWSL had quietly allowed its policy on the participation of transgender players, established in 2021, to expire. The scrapped policy used the testosterone level...
defector.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:07 PM
yes
Another betting scandal is threatening the UFC's reputation. Yet with the FBI now headed by a Trump loyalist, any notion of a legitimate crackdown is not just improbable—it’s absurd.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/ufc-bettin...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/ufc-bettin...
The Ballad of the Fixed Fight
Another betting scandal is threatening the UFC's reputation. Yet with the FBI now headed by a Trump loyalist, any notion of a legitimate crackdown is not just improbable—it’s absurd.
www.sportspolitika.news
November 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Another betting scandal is threatening the UFC's reputation. Yet with the FBI now headed by a Trump loyalist, any notion of a legitimate crackdown is not just improbable—it’s absurd.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/ufc-bettin...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/ufc-bettin...
Reposted by Karim Zidan
Our hearts soared, then broke. I thought about the most beautiful sports bandwagon I've ever jumped on. Here is where I landed on the @torontobluejays.bsky.social World Series run. My latest for CBC Sports.
www.cbc.ca/sports/baseb...
www.cbc.ca/sports/baseb...
OPINION | Jays gave all of Canada opportunity to understand what community connection really feels like | CBC Sports
This World Series wasn’t only about baseball. It was about a nation feeling excited and connected to a sport that isn't hockey.
www.cbc.ca
November 3, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Our hearts soared, then broke. I thought about the most beautiful sports bandwagon I've ever jumped on. Here is where I landed on the @torontobluejays.bsky.social World Series run. My latest for CBC Sports.
www.cbc.ca/sports/baseb...
www.cbc.ca/sports/baseb...
Reposted by Karim Zidan
Don’t let the neocons whitewash (their) history just because they are now on the right side in the fight against Trump.
Most global conflicts looked exactly the same during the “American world”.
Leaving aside the global destruction that was the direct consequence of U.S. neocons.
Most global conflicts looked exactly the same during the “American world”.
Leaving aside the global destruction that was the direct consequence of U.S. neocons.
November 1, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Don’t let the neocons whitewash (their) history just because they are now on the right side in the fight against Trump.
Most global conflicts looked exactly the same during the “American world”.
Leaving aside the global destruction that was the direct consequence of U.S. neocons.
Most global conflicts looked exactly the same during the “American world”.
Leaving aside the global destruction that was the direct consequence of U.S. neocons.
Reposted by Karim Zidan
From @theathletic.com: After Robert Gallery left the NFL, he struggled with brain fog, ringing in his ears, memory gaps, tequila, rage, and thoughts of taking his life. This is how psychedelics saved him from his descent into darkness.
How former can’t-miss NFL prospect Robert Gallery survived a descent into darkness
After 10 surgeries and eight NFL seasons came brain fog, ringing in his ears, memory voids, tequila, rage and thoughts of taking his life.
nyti.ms
November 1, 2025 at 3:42 PM
From @theathletic.com: After Robert Gallery left the NFL, he struggled with brain fog, ringing in his ears, memory gaps, tequila, rage, and thoughts of taking his life. This is how psychedelics saved him from his descent into darkness.
More than forty years after her work was last seen in India, my grandmother Menhat Helmy returns to the country’s art scene through a groundbreaking new exhibition opening next month in Mumbai.
www.menhathelmy.com/p/announceme...
www.menhathelmy.com/p/announceme...
Announcement: Menhat Helmy in Mumbai
Two of Menhat Helmy's masterpieces will be on display at the Resonant Histories: India and the Arab world exhibition in Mumbai, India starting Nov. 14, 2025.
www.menhathelmy.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:49 PM
More than forty years after her work was last seen in India, my grandmother Menhat Helmy returns to the country’s art scene through a groundbreaking new exhibition opening next month in Mumbai.
www.menhathelmy.com/p/announceme...
www.menhathelmy.com/p/announceme...
This week, four more footballers from Gaza were killed by Israeli strikes. Two of them were children. In total, more than 800 athletes, including 400+ footballers, have been killed.
So I ask (again): why is Israel still allowed to compete in global sports?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/israel-spo...
So I ask (again): why is Israel still allowed to compete in global sports?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/israel-spo...
Israel is committing genocide. Why is it still welcome in global sports?
The sports world claims to stand for peace and unity yet turns a blind eye as Israel kills athletes, journalists and civilians in Gaza.
www.sportspolitika.news
October 31, 2025 at 5:08 PM
This week, four more footballers from Gaza were killed by Israeli strikes. Two of them were children. In total, more than 800 athletes, including 400+ footballers, have been killed.
So I ask (again): why is Israel still allowed to compete in global sports?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/israel-spo...
So I ask (again): why is Israel still allowed to compete in global sports?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/israel-spo...
Reposted by Karim Zidan
In this guest essay for Sports Politika, Bobby Crace reflects on the Knicks as a civic bond for New Yorkers, and on the tension between collective fandom and the politics of the team’s ownership.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/new-yok-kn...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/new-yok-kn...
The New York Knicks and the paradox of collective joy
In this guest essay, Bobby Crace reflects on the Knicks as a civic bond for New Yorkers, and on the tension between collective fandom and the politics of the team’s ownership.
www.sportspolitika.news
October 29, 2025 at 4:39 PM
In this guest essay for Sports Politika, Bobby Crace reflects on the Knicks as a civic bond for New Yorkers, and on the tension between collective fandom and the politics of the team’s ownership.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/new-yok-kn...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/new-yok-kn...
Kramnik has released an official statement, where he denies accusing Naroditsky of cheating, absolves himself of any responsibility in his death, and signs off by claiming that “under no circumstances am I planning on taking my own life.”
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
One Final Game
Chess, politics, and the Russian grandmaster who went too far.
www.sportspolitika.news
October 29, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Kramnik has released an official statement, where he denies accusing Naroditsky of cheating, absolves himself of any responsibility in his death, and signs off by claiming that “under no circumstances am I planning on taking my own life.”
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
Reposted by Karim Zidan
God man I feel exactly this way about The Dodgers. bettergracesandliberations.substack.com/p/la-loves-t...
LA Loves The Dodgers. They Need To Love Us Back
The team is taking steps in the right direction, but it needs to go further in opposing ICE and supporting the community.
bettergracesandliberations.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:41 PM
God man I feel exactly this way about The Dodgers. bettergracesandliberations.substack.com/p/la-loves-t...
In this guest essay for Sports Politika, Bobby Crace reflects on the Knicks as a civic bond for New Yorkers, and on the tension between collective fandom and the politics of the team’s ownership.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/new-yok-kn...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/new-yok-kn...
The New York Knicks and the paradox of collective joy
In this guest essay, Bobby Crace reflects on the Knicks as a civic bond for New Yorkers, and on the tension between collective fandom and the politics of the team’s ownership.
www.sportspolitika.news
October 29, 2025 at 4:39 PM
In this guest essay for Sports Politika, Bobby Crace reflects on the Knicks as a civic bond for New Yorkers, and on the tension between collective fandom and the politics of the team’s ownership.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/new-yok-kn...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/new-yok-kn...
Reposted by Karim Zidan
I lost my job, the price of groceries is way up, my gardener was deported, and they canceled funding for the experimental cancer treatment that was my only chance to live another year. But at least my damn neighbor is afraid to wear a keffiyeh now.
October 28, 2025 at 3:12 PM
I lost my job, the price of groceries is way up, my gardener was deported, and they canceled funding for the experimental cancer treatment that was my only chance to live another year. But at least my damn neighbor is afraid to wear a keffiyeh now.
Reposted by Karim Zidan
After Daniel Naroditsky’s sudden death, FIDE has launched an investigation into a Russian grandmaster's anti-cheating crusade & alleged bullying.
But how can chess find justice when its rulers answer to the Kremlin?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
But how can chess find justice when its rulers answer to the Kremlin?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
One Final Game
Chess, politics, and the Russian grandmaster who went too far.
www.sportspolitika.news
October 27, 2025 at 3:36 PM
After Daniel Naroditsky’s sudden death, FIDE has launched an investigation into a Russian grandmaster's anti-cheating crusade & alleged bullying.
But how can chess find justice when its rulers answer to the Kremlin?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
But how can chess find justice when its rulers answer to the Kremlin?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
After Daniel Naroditsky’s sudden death, FIDE has launched an investigation into a Russian grandmaster's anti-cheating crusade & alleged bullying.
But how can chess find justice when its rulers answer to the Kremlin?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
But how can chess find justice when its rulers answer to the Kremlin?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
One Final Game
Chess, politics, and the Russian grandmaster who went too far.
www.sportspolitika.news
October 27, 2025 at 3:36 PM
After Daniel Naroditsky’s sudden death, FIDE has launched an investigation into a Russian grandmaster's anti-cheating crusade & alleged bullying.
But how can chess find justice when its rulers answer to the Kremlin?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
But how can chess find justice when its rulers answer to the Kremlin?
www.sportspolitika.news/p/naroditsky...
Reposted by Karim Zidan
column on robbie keane www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Standing with Maccabi’s football hooligans against local police – is that what patriotism looks like now? | Jonathan Liew
Tommy Robinson is said to be going to Villa Park as a Maccabi Tel Aviv fan. Do the politicians jumping on this bandwagon care what they are doing, asks Guardian columnist Jonathan Liew
www.theguardian.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:25 AM
column on robbie keane www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Karim Zidan
Israeli NGO has documented an alarming rise in racism among Israeli supporter groups, with Maccabi Tel Aviv top of the list. The “absence of a serious and effective effort" within Israel Football Association to combat racism should be of serious concern to UEFA. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Research reveals racist chants on rise in Israeli football – with Maccabi Tel Aviv the worst offenders
Kick It Out Israel found 367 instances in the 2024-25 season – of those, 118 were observed in stands containing Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Israeli NGO has documented an alarming rise in racism among Israeli supporter groups, with Maccabi Tel Aviv top of the list. The “absence of a serious and effective effort" within Israel Football Association to combat racism should be of serious concern to UEFA. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Reposted by Karim Zidan
The Louvre isn't the only museum targeted by thieves. Pål Enger, a Norwegian pro footballer, masterminded the theft of The Scream during the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer. It took just 50 seconds to steal one of the world’s most iconic masterpieces.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/football-a...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/football-a...
The footballer who stole The Scream
Once a promising footballer, Pål Enger became the mastermind behind the theft of one of the world’s most iconic masterpieces during the 1994 Olympics.
www.sportspolitika.news
October 22, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The Louvre isn't the only museum targeted by thieves. Pål Enger, a Norwegian pro footballer, masterminded the theft of The Scream during the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer. It took just 50 seconds to steal one of the world’s most iconic masterpieces.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/football-a...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/football-a...
The Louvre isn't the only museum targeted by thieves. Pål Enger, a Norwegian pro footballer, masterminded the theft of The Scream during the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer. It took just 50 seconds to steal one of the world’s most iconic masterpieces.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/football-a...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/football-a...
The footballer who stole The Scream
Once a promising footballer, Pål Enger became the mastermind behind the theft of one of the world’s most iconic masterpieces during the 1994 Olympics.
www.sportspolitika.news
October 22, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The Louvre isn't the only museum targeted by thieves. Pål Enger, a Norwegian pro footballer, masterminded the theft of The Scream during the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer. It took just 50 seconds to steal one of the world’s most iconic masterpieces.
www.sportspolitika.news/p/football-a...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/football-a...
Reposted by Karim Zidan
Reposted by Karim Zidan
I wrote about a debate I attended about trans inclusion in women's sports, my initial opposition to said debate, and why I changed my mind about the merits of debating the other side
www.sportspolitika.news/p/sports-pol...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/sports-pol...
The case for debating the other side
I had my reservations ahead of a debate about trans inclusion in women’s sports last week, but the outcome reminded me that there is merit (and catharsis) in dialogue and debating the other side.
www.sportspolitika.news
October 16, 2025 at 2:54 PM
I wrote about a debate I attended about trans inclusion in women's sports, my initial opposition to said debate, and why I changed my mind about the merits of debating the other side
www.sportspolitika.news/p/sports-pol...
www.sportspolitika.news/p/sports-pol...