The Trend is More Important Than Truth… Media Chaos Threatening the Future of Egyptian Sports

By: Dr. Hamada El-Antably

Sports media in Egypt is no longer a voice that analyzes, discusses, and guides; rather, it has transformed into a noisy machine that crushes everything passing through it without mercy or responsibility. Truth is buried, objectivity is assassinated, and professionalism is torn apart on air—all for the sake of the “trend,” the “like,” and quick viewership. It no longer matters whether what is said is true or useful; the only thing that matters is that it sparks controversy, ignites platforms, and attracts audiences.

Sports Programs… From Platform to Farce

Sports programs are supposed to be platforms for enlightenment, offering critical reading and objective analysis while contributing to the development of sports thought in society. Yet, what we witness today bears no relation to these values. The studio has become a venue for verbal bickering, exchanging accusations, and “flexing verbal muscles.” Minutes of broadcast time are wasted on mutual accusations between guests whose only connection to sports is old memories or a fame that faded with the last goal they scored years ago.

Retired Players… Stars or Fuel for Chaos?

There is no doubt that retired football players possess experiences worthy of appreciation, but the problem begins when these individuals turn into “permanent analysts” without the slightest media training or professional understanding. Some of them speak only the language of the past, while others turn every debate into an arena for settling personal scores, acting as though they never left the locker room. Their statements are never short of minimization, comparison, skepticism, and sometimes public insult, without any supervisor or censor.

From Professionalism to Provocation

What is displayed in many of today’s Egyptian sports programs cannot be classified as media in the true sense. It resembles a cheap drama series driven by a mentality of “whoever shouts the loudest wins,” and “whoever attacks the hardest reaps the views.” No sources, no investigation, no adherence to journalistic standards—only out-of-context quotes, fiery statements, and the exaggeration of every trivial detail to make it a national crisis.

Fabricated Transfer News… The Trade of Illusion Without Oversight

Amidst the chaos of sports media, a dangerous phenomenon emerges that is no less impactful than on-air shouting: the fabrication of transfer and signing news, particularly concerning top clubs. How many times has a news piece been published about a player renewing his contract, a club concluding an agreement for a major deal, or secret negotiations between management and a prominent player, only to later reveal that none of it happened? At times, the public is deliberately misled, and incorrect news devoid of any reliable source is published purely to gain more engagement.

This phenomenon confuses fans, stirs tension within clubs, and affects the technical and psychological stability of teams. The worst part is that those who promote these news items face no accountability; instead, they continue to market their rumors as media facts. It is manipulation of minds and destruction of the public’s trust in any information reaching them.

Praiseworthy Efforts in Confronting Chaos… and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation Takes Action

Despite this clear breakdown, the Supreme Council for Media Regulation has recently begun taking limited steps to try and control the media chaos, issuing warnings to certain programs and investigating blatant violations marring some sports coverages. These moves represent an encouraging start, but they still require further effort.

Many programs and websites continue to operate without actual oversight, persisting in presenting content that lacks credibility or encourages division. Therefore, the responsibility resting upon the Council demands greater effort, serious activation of regulatory tools, and deterrent procedures that preserve the dignity of the media and protect the recipient from deliberate misleading and sabotage.

Fans as Victims… and Sports as the Ultimate Loser

Amidst this noise, fans are lost between attackers and defenders, leaving the ordinary supporter uncertain of who to believe or rely upon. Division has deepened, fanaticism has increased, and unruly comments and posts have reached a dangerous stage. The chaotic sports media has successfully manufactured an audience that is constantly angry and tense, viewing every opposing opinion as an adversary that must be crushed.

Conclusion

The “trend” has hijacked Egyptian sports media, and the future of sports is threatened if this decline continues. Program shouting, flawed analysis, traded statements, and fabricated news will not build sports awareness; rather, they will deepen chaos and division.

Sports are bigger than retired players searching for the spotlight, bigger than media figures panting after sensationalism, and bigger than programs run by market logic rather than professional methodology. If we do not stop this chaos, what will shatter is not just the media… but the entire image of Egyptian sports.

By: Dr. Hamada El-Antably Researcher in Sports Affairs – Writer and Lecturer