Former Egyptian national team and Al Ahly star, Wael Gomaa, has launched a scathing attack on the Egyptian Football Federation and officials of the national team following the crisis surrounding Mohamed Salah’s injury.
Speaking on beIN Sports, Gomaa stated, “What happened regarding Salah’s injury is a major disgrace to the Egyptian national team and its history in the African continent.”
He added, “From start to finish, it was a colossal mistake, and everyone involved contributed to this humiliation.”
Gomaa continued, “Those involved in this error are nothing but extras with no roles other than appearing in the shots during scenes of hits and action, much like actors in movies, just to get the final shot.”
He pointed out, “Everything happening now in the national team reflects the nature of football in Egypt.”
Emphasizing that Salah made a mistake and must take part of the responsibility, Gomaa stressed, “The magnitude of Salah’s mistake will be evident if the nature of his injury and the duration of his absence are officially announced.”
He explained, “If Salah is absent for a long period, he will save himself and everyone around him, including the officials, from the hearsay and rumors.”
Gomaa concluded, “The officials’ handling of the situation and the crisis may result in Egypt’s elimination or the team reaching the final match.”
The Egyptian Football Federation announced Salah’s travel to England for treatment after his injury during the national team’s match.
Salah will travel to England after Egypt’s game against Cape Verde tomorrow in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The football federation also revealed that Salah may return to the national team if he recovers from the injury and if Egypt reaches the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Earlier, Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, disclosed that Mohamed Salah is nearing a return to England for treatment after his injury with the Egyptian national team.
Klopp stated in an interview after his team’s match against Bournemouth, “If Salah cannot play, no matter how long he spends off the field, I think everyone sees that it makes sense for him to undergo the rehabilitation period with us at Liverpool.”
Salah sustained the injury in Egypt’s match against Ghana in the second round of the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, and Egypt plays against Cape Verde on Monday to conclude the group stage.
The Egyptian Football Association announced Salah’s injury as a hamstring strain, sidelining him for two matches.
