UAE President Pardons Three Zamalek Club Members Detained After Abu Dhabi Match Incident
A Presidential Pardon for Zamalek Club Members
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has granted a pardon to three prominent members of Egypt’s Zamalek Football Club who were detained after an altercation during a match. The players—Abdel-Wahed El-Sayed (football director), Nabil “Donga” Emad (midfielder), and Mostafa Shalaby (winger)—were involved in a conflict with a stadium organizer on October 20 at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, during a semi-final game against Pyramids FC.
Incident Details and Initial Sentencing
The confrontation, initially a disagreement, escalated quickly, resulting in a physical altercation. The Abu Dhabi court initially sentenced each player to one month in prison and fined them AED 200,000 (approximately USD 54,451). This verdict, citing charges of “using force and threats against a public employee,” highlighted the seriousness with which the UAE regards maintaining public order.
Diplomatic Intervention and a Gesture of Unity
The pardon, announced shortly after the court’s ruling, underscores Sheikh Mohammed’s dedication to strengthening UAE-Egypt relations. His compassionate decision reflects the close ties between the two nations and is viewed as an affirmation of the UAE’s commitment to maintaining harmony with Egypt.
Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports Responds
The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports played a significant role in resolving the situation. In a statement following the court’s decision, the ministry acknowledged the successful coordination between Egyptian and Emirati authorities, which ultimately led to the players’ release. The ministry also confirmed that the players would return home shortly, signaling a smooth resolution and a renewed focus on the importance of diplomacy.
Finally
The pardon granted by Sheikh Mohammed highlights the strength of UAE-Egypt relations and the importance of diplomatic cooperation in addressing international incidents. The incident serves as a reminder of the close ties and mutual respect between both nations, paving the way for continued unity in the sports arena and beyond.