The Arabic Moment

 Faisal Balushi, Oman

Goal Click teamed up with Qatar Airways to create a new series telling the inside story of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar – through the eyes and voices of football fans across the Arab world. Fans from Qatar to Oman, Palestine to Egypt, captured their personal experiences during the tournament, demonstrating the passion for football from these communities.

Faisal Balushi from Muscat travelled to the tournament to support the Oman national team. A former player, he is now a fan leader for the Oman Football Association. He told the story of what football means to him and his community, supporting the national team, and the development of football in Oman.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life?

My name is Faisal Balushi, I am from Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. I have loved football since I was young. It was the game that I saw being played on the beaches and in green spaces. I have been playing football for nearly 20 years and my position was a striker. I was a player for Al-Shabab SC before starting a supporter group for Al-Shabab. 

The Oman Football Association made me a fan leader for the Oman National Team. I travel regularly to watch and support Oman and am in touch with all the Oman supporter clubs. I have been a motivator for the fans of the Sultanate for nearly 7 years and support the Omani fans to attend matches to support their clubs and also for the Sultanate team.

How was your experience in Qatar for the FIFA Arab Cup?

I went to Qatar to attend the Arab Cup, learn about Qatari society, and learn about other Arabic cultures. My trip to Qatar was special and the stay was like a fantasy.

I visited so many places in Qatar. All the places I visited were wonderful, but I liked the design of Al Bayt Stadium and Stadium 974. I enjoyed the desert safari experience and the Qatar National Museum a lot. 

How was the experience of watching Oman play football live in another country? 

I watched an Oman match, and I am proud that they are playing with the biggest teams in the Arab and African world. The atmosphere was great, exciting, and full of enthusiasm. The performance of the Oman national team has been great, and we are a dark horse for the tournament.

Why is football important for Omanis and Omani society?

Oman is developing in football, with new stadiums and a league for all age groups. Oman can reach the World Cup, and this is a desire of every Omani citizen.

Football has great love here in the Sultanate of Oman. You see a lot more people playing this game, and the clubs play a major role in developing the game. There is an opportunity for a women’s league, as the Omani Federation wants a women’s team.

What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?

Football is my life. I love it. Football is the great outlet for the world. My ambition is to be in Doha for the World Cup in 2022 as a fan, and my dream is to be among the group who will be organizing the World Cup for the fans who will be there. 

I enjoy being an official fan leader. I do this because I want to instil a love for football and sports in everyone in my country. My ambition is to be an ambassador for this game and to represent my country in sports or cultural forums.

Are you looking forward to the World Cup in 2022?

I am happy that Qatar is hosting the World Cup, and this event will be a proud moment for all of us as Arabs. My message to the world is football brings us together and does not divide. Football is a message of peace. Football brings all people together. The World Cup is about love, peace, and rapprochement. Let us all be together in this great event to advance it and learn from each other.