Al-Ahly midfielder Imam Ashour has addressed the controversy surrounding his absence from the club’s recent delegation, attributing it to illness.
The player confirmed he was suffering from a severe cold, high fever, and stomach upset, apologising to the club, technical staff, and fans, and insisting there was no intention to disrespect the team.
Ashour explained that he had informed team doctor Ahmed Gaballah of his condition and inability to travel, but acknowledged that he should have also contacted football director Walid Salah El-Din to ensure proper medical protocols were followed.
In a statement posted to his official Instagram page, Ashour said: “Unfortunately, a lot of false information has circulated about what happened. I accept any decision the club makes, and I am confident Al-Ahly officials will understand my position.”
He added, “I have a severe cold, high temperature, and stomach upset. I am taking antibiotics, and unfortunately, my whole family is affected. I informed Dr Gaballah of my health, but I should have also contacted Captain Walid Salah El-Din so that the technical staff could follow official procedures in case of inability to travel.”
Ashour emphasised that the matter has been resolved, stating that he had spoken to Salah El-Din and is fully at the club’s service. “Al-Ahly’s fans are my support and strength after God. I apologise to the club, the technical staff, my teammates, and especially the fans,” he wrote.
The 27-year-old also reaffirmed his commitment to the club: “I am proud to play for Africa’s biggest club. My relationship with its fans is unbreakable. I ask everyone to close this chapter. For those who suggest I tried to pressure the club, I say, ‘God is sufficient for me.’ No one can twist Al-Ahly’s arm. I would never think that way. I have been honoured to wear the red jersey for three years and have always strived to fulfil my duty to the club and its supporters.”
Ashour concluded by sending his support to his teammates ahead of their upcoming African Champions League clash: “We have an important match tomorrow. May God grant success to my teammates and the coaching staff, and may we achieve a victory that makes all Al-Ahly fans proud.”
Meanwhile, Al-Ahly announced on Thursday that it had imposed penalties on Ashour, including a 1.5 million-pound fine and a two-week suspension from group training. The player will continue with individual training during this period.
Al-Ahly is set to face Tanzania’s Young Africans today at the Aman Stadium in Zanzibar, in the fourth round of the CAF Champions League group stage.
