Ahmed Abdul Zaher, the Egyptian player who scored Al-Ahly’s second goal in the African Champions League final, has been suspended from the Club World Cup by his club’s management. The decision was officially announced by Al-Ahly in a press release. Abdul Zaher is accused of showing support for supporters of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who was overthrown by the army on July 3.
Despite Abdul Zaher’s apology and explanation of his gesture as a tribute to the victims of repression during pro-Morsi rallies, Al-Ahly decided to suspend him from the Club World Cup and deny him his victory bonus. There are also considerations of parting ways with the striker in the upcoming season. This incident raises questions about freedom of expression and conscience in Egypt.
Notably, Mohamed Aboutrika, a legend of Al-Ahly and an eight-time winner of the Champions League, also faced sanctions from the club and the Minister of Sports for his actions. Additionally, Egyptian athlete Mohamed Youssef was suspended for two years from international competitions by his federation for wearing a Pro-Morsi T-shirt during the world kung fu championships in Russia in October.
