After an impressive start to the season with Turkish side Ankaragücü, Moroccan striker Moestafa El Kabir made a surprising move, leaving Turkey to return to the Swedish league with Kalmar FF. The transfer raised eyebrows, given his solid performances in Turkey, but El Kabir has shed light on the reasoning behind his decision in a recent interview with Dutch outlet Voetbalzone.
El Kabir, who previously played in Sweden for both Mjällby and Häcken, explained that his departure was less about footballing issues and more about disagreements off the pitch. “If things had gone as planned, I wouldn’t have returned to Sweden right now. I played well and attracted the attention of many clubs,” he said. His strong form had indeed drawn interest from other teams, including Al Rayyan in Qatar, but it was the reaction of Ankaragücü’s management to these offers that ultimately prompted his move.
The striker revealed that when he received the offer from Al Rayyan, his club attempted to assert undue control over the situation. “When a club tries to take advantage of such a situation, it can turn into a power struggle,” he noted. According to El Kabir, this approach had tangible consequences: he was barred from participating in matches, his salary payments were delayed, and he faced substantial fines that he describes as “huge” and “senseless.”
These measures, intended to pressure or intimidate him, instead complicated matters further. “These methods used to intimidate me only made things more complicated,” El Kabir said. “I came from the other side of Europe to play football, I do my job, and I want to be paid for it.” His comments underscore the challenges professional players sometimes face when club managements prioritize control over fair treatment and contractual obligations.
El Kabir also addressed potential criticism regarding his financial demands, acknowledging that some may view him as materialistic. “There will always be people who call me materialistic because of my financial demands, but that’s why we signed a contract,” he explained. For the Moroccan forward, contracts are not just formalities—they represent mutual respect and a guarantee of professional treatment. His decision to move back to Sweden reflects his desire to play in an environment where his contributions on the pitch are recognized and fairly compensated.
Kalmar FF offers El Kabir familiarity as well as stability. Having played in Sweden before, he knows the league’s style and competitive environment, making it an ideal destination to continue his career. While his departure from Turkey may have come as a surprise to some, it appears to be a carefully considered choice aimed at ensuring both professional satisfaction and fair treatment.
El Kabir’s experience serves as a reminder that a player’s career decisions often extend beyond performances on the pitch. Contractual disputes, management conflicts, and financial considerations can all play pivotal roles in shaping a footballer’s journey. For Moestafa El Kabir, returning to Sweden represents not just a continuation of his playing career, but also an assertion of his professional rights and priorities—ensuring that his talents are both respected and rewarded.
