Yemenis and the 2006 World Cup [Archives:2006/954/Front Page]
Yasser Al-Mayasi
SANA'A, June 11 ) Thousands of Yemenis have been able to watch 2006 World Cup matches being staged in Germany via three giant screens set up by the German Embassy in Sana'a and Aden.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Communication erected another 27 screens across the republic, particularly in major cities. However, most Yemenis expressed sorrow for not being able to see the matches with normal TV channels, asserting that the existing screens aren't enough to watch World Cup activities.
Though few in number, most hostels and motels with subscriptions to channels airing World Cup matches have resorted to raising prices before their customers and others begin to complain about crowding.
“I like to watch World Cup matches, but I don't like to go to hostels because such places are too noisy for one to enjoy watching,” Abdulagabar Al-Soulihi explained, “Watching World Cup matches should be accessible to all because it can unite the world, not part it like politics does.”
Football fan Mohammed Hassan affirmed, “Having screens is a good idea, but they're not enough. Most people don't enjoy watching matches in these places because they are busy. Most Yemenis like to watch in closed rooms in their houses while chewing qat.” He requested the government erect more screens “to make people watch matches and forget about their problems. Football now is uniting people.”
Watching on a pay-per-view basis hasn't hindered Yemenis from viewing World Cup matches. According to Al-Sahwa newspaper, one Yemeni citizen was able to find a satellite channel airing 2006 World Cup matches. With much effort, he managed to access SLTV2, adding that he was able to “break the pay-per-view basis and watch World Cup matches for free with no need to go here and there.” Those with large satellite dishes do the same, continually searching for channels airing the matches.
At a press conference, Germany's ambassador to Yemen stated, “Positioning such big screens to telecast matches in some towns is a sign of the depth of relations between Yemen and Germany.” He continued, “We wish to share with our Yemeni friends the enjoyment of watching World Cup matches, particularly with those unable to view satellite channels.”
He further noted, “During mutual visits between both sides, Germany presented 1,000 footballs to Yemen in order to develop athletic cooperation between both countries. There was also a German coach providing support and consulting to Yemen's Football League.”
Additionally, “More Yemeni coaches are receiving courses and training in Germany and there could be more activities in the future. Sports are considered a tool for understanding and cooperation between countries and they participate in establishing dialogue between Europe and the Arab world.”
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