Former Al Ahly football director Sayed Abdel Hafeez has strongly rejected Wessam Abu Ali’s apology to the club’s fans, saying the gesture holds no weight after the player’s actions.
In a video shared by the club, the Palestinian forward apologized for boycotting training sessions in an effort to force a move to American side Columbus Crew. But Abdel Hafeez, who spent decades at Al Ahly in various roles, believes the damage has already been done.
“It is every player’s right to consider leaving to play for another club, but not by undermining the prestige of the team he plays for, boycotting training, or trying to force the club’s hand,” Abdel Hafeez said during a TV appearance.
“Wessam Abu Ali tried to undermine Al Ahly’s prestige by rebelling, and therefore the apology is unacceptable. I have dealt with many football players during my 36-year career, and true mettle is revealed when a player is in a position of responsibility and has made his own decisions.”
The former director called the apology an image-saving move, not a sincere one.
