Egyptian Al-Ahly Denies Zizo's Request to Travel to Qatar

Al Ahly Denies Star Player's Request for Qatar Medical Treatment

Egyptian football giant Al Ahly has firmly rejected media reports claiming that winger Ahmed Said "Zizo" requested overseas rehabilitation in Qatar following his recent injury. The club's football director emphasized that no such request was made, highlighting the ongoing tension between player autonomy and club medical protocols in elite football.

Official Club Response

Walid Salah El-Din, Al Ahly's football director, categorically denied the circulating reports about Zizo's alleged request for treatment abroad. In press statements, he described the media claims as "completely false and never happened, neither directly nor indirectly."

The denial comes amid reports that the 28-year-old winger had sought permission to undergo rehabilitation at Qatar's renowned Aspetar Academy following a second-degree adductor muscle strain sustained during Al Ahly's match against Enppi last Sunday in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

The Injury and Its Implications

Medical Assessment

Medical scans confirmed that Zizo suffered a second-degree adductor muscle strain, an injury that typically requires 3-6 weeks of recovery depending on the severity and treatment approach. Such injuries are particularly challenging for wingers like Zizo, whose playing style relies heavily on explosive movements and directional changes.

Aspetar's Regional Reputation

The mention of Aspetar Academy is significant in Middle Eastern football circles. The Doha-based facility has established itself as the region's premier sports medicine center, attracting athletes from across the Arab world and beyond. Its state-of-the-art rehabilitation programs and specialized equipment often appeal to high-profile players seeking optimal recovery conditions.

Broader Context in Egyptian Football

This incident reflects a growing trend in modern football where star players increasingly seek input into their medical treatment, sometimes preferring specialized international facilities over club-based care. Al Ahly, as Egypt's most successful club with significant continental ambitions, faces the delicate balance of maintaining squad harmony while managing player expectations.

The timing is particularly sensitive as Al Ahly competes on multiple fronts, including the Egyptian Premier League and continental competitions. Zizo's absence represents a significant tactical challenge, as the versatile winger has been instrumental in the team's attacking patterns this season.

Player-Club Medical Dynamics

The swift and emphatic denial from Al Ahly's management suggests the club is keen to maintain control over medical decisions and prevent any perception of player power superseding institutional protocols. This approach aligns with traditional football hierarchies where clubs retain ultimate authority over injury management and rehabilitation processes.

For Egyptian football observers, this episode underscores the evolving relationship between player agency and club authority in medical matters—a dynamic that will likely become more pronounced as the sport continues to globalize and players gain greater access to international treatment options.