Syrian rebels’ overthrow of President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime has led the country’s football federation to alter the national team’s kit and logo from red to green.
The rebels took control of the capital, Damascus, without resistance on Sunday, following a swift advance that forced Assad to flee to Russia after a 13-year civil war and six decades of his family’s authoritarian rule.
In light of these developments, the Syrian football federation announced the change to the men’s national team kit and logo. On Facebook, the federation shared an image of players wearing the new green uniforms, stating: “This marks the first historic transformation in Syrian sports, free from nepotism, favouritism, and corruption.”
Syrian football has a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, with the establishment of the Syrian Football Association in 1936. The national team, often referred to as the “Qasioun Eagles,” has participated in several regional and international competitions, including the AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite facing challenges related to political instability and limited resources, Syrian football has showcased moments of promise, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s when the team achieved notable successes in regional tournaments.
Football remains one of the most popular sports in the country, serving as a unifying cultural force amid the nation’s complex socio-political landscape.
