Wholesale Favoritism, No Regard for Values and Ethics, and Egyptian Football Heading to the Abyss

Written by Dr. Hamada El-Antably

After what we all witnessed of disgraceful actions and behaviors broadcast across all social media platforms, the decisions of the Egyptian Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee were released today to play a power-balancing game in its rulings. It penalized both clubs by suspending three players from each and imposing a 100,000 EGP fine on each club. However, with a stark difference: Shikabala, who committed an obscene act, received an 8-match suspension, whereas Kahraba received a suspension until the end of the season—and if not for fear of criticism, he would have been banned for life—all to appease the president of Zamalek SC, as if they were punishing Al-Ahly rather than the player.

The second observation is that the players suspended from Zamalek do not play in the first place, whereas Al-Ahly’s suspended players are the backbone and core of the team. So, is the purpose to punish the wrongdoer, or is the purpose to weaken Al-Ahly for the benefit of Zamalek?

Then the question arises: What are these regulations that the federation and its committee consulted when issuing these decisions? And do our homes have no sanctity, allowing such behaviors to enter them without finding a deterrent? Has the Football Association become privately owned by the Zamalek president to fulfill his ambitions? It is clear that the Football Association is destined to be dominated by the language of personal interests, far from the public good of Egyptian football.

Have mercy on us, may God have mercy on you, and fear God in what is happening. Enough corruption, favoritism, and nepotism. I will say it and repeat it always: “He who escapes punishment misbehaves.” Such transgressions will be repeated over and over as long as nepotism rules. As for us, fans and athletes, God is our supporter, and there is no power nor strength except by God.

Straighten up, may God have mercy on you.

By Dr. Hamada El-Antably