Amer Hussein, a member of the Egyptian Football Federation’s board of directors, has confirmed that FIFA will cover the expenses for Mohamed El-Shenawy’s surgery and his salary until his return to the field.
This comes amid efforts to address the goalkeeper’s injury, with the Al Ahly club formally contacting FIFA to secure all entitlements related to El-Shenawy’s situation.
However, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah will not be subject to similar provisions as his absence is expected to be less than 28 days.
Addressing the scheduling conflict between the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA Club World Cup, Hussein highlighted past challenges faced by clubs, including Al Ahly, when international players were unavailable due to national team commitments.
He emphasized the need for proactive measures to resolve such issues, stressing that clubs must plan meticulously for upcoming tournaments.
Hussein further stated that while there have been no formal discussions with Al Ahly regarding the scheduling conflict, it is crucial to avoid undue pressure on players to deliver strong results if they are unable to participate in the Club World Cup due to national team duties.
He underscored the importance of robust dialogue between the football federation and the league to address concerns, especially considering contractual obligations with marketing and sponsorship partners.
Regarding squad limitations, Hussein noted that the Confederation of African Football permits a roster of 40 players, ruling out exceptions or increases for any single club, including Al Ahly, participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.
He emphasized that any decisions regarding roster adjustments would require deliberation between the football federation and the league, considering contractual obligations with marketing and sponsorship partners.
As discussions continue, football stakeholders are navigating the intricate balance between club and international commitments, underscoring the importance of effective communication and collaboration to ensure the smooth operation of both continental and global tournaments.
