Zamalek trio returns to in Cairo after receiving pardon from Emirati president

CAIRO – 31 October 2024: Zamalek football director Abdel Wahed El-Sayed, along with players Nabil Emad Donga and Mostafa Shalaby, arrived at Cairo International Airport on Wednesday as they were released by Emirati authorities after receiving a presidential pardon.

The players had been convicted of assaulting a stadium organizer in Abu Dhabi during the Egyptian Super Cup semi-final between Zamalek and Pyramids on 20 October at Al Nahyan Stadium.

Their predicament, facing a one-month prison sentence and a fine of 200,000 dirhams each, was swiftly resolved on the same day when they were granted a presidential pardon from UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

Legal proceedings commenced and concluded swiftly on Tuesday, with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports announcing the successful coordination between Egyptian and Emirati authorities, effectively resolving the crisis involving the trio.

“President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a directive to pardon the defendants involved in the recent football match incident,” the official news agency of the United Arab Emirates (WAM) reported.

“This gesture embodies the deep fraternal bond between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt, reflecting His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s steadfast commitment to reinforcing the ties of brotherhood that unite the two nations and their peoples,” the report added.

The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court had convicted the players of "assaulting the safety of public employees while they were performing their duties, committing acts that disturb public order and inciting disturbances in front of the crowd" during the Zamalek-Pyramids match, as outlined by the Emirati Judicial Department in a statement.

This showdown concluded with Zamalek triumphing over Pyramids 5-4 in a penalty shootout, leading Zamalek to face Egypt’s Al Ahly in a fierce encounter last Thursday that ended with Al Ahly prevailing over Zamalek 7-6 in penalties in Abu Dhabi.