Egyptian Football Star Ramadan Sobhi Banned for 4 Years Over Doping Violation

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has banned Egyptian footballer Ramadan Sobhi for four years after finding him guilty of tampering with his doping sample. The Pyramids FC winger's career now faces a major setback following the international ruling that overturned an earlier Egyptian decision clearing him of wrongdoing.

A source from Egypt's Anti-Doping Organization confirmed to German news agency DPA on Wednesday that they received official notification of Sobhi's suspension. The Egyptian Football Association will be formally notified of the ban, which effectively sidelines one of the country's prominent players.

The case stems from a dispute over sample tampering allegations. Egypt's Anti-Doping Organization had initially cleared Sobhi of any violations in July 2024. But the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wasn't satisfied with that outcome and took the case to CAS, sport's highest court.

CAS sided with WADA's appeal, determining that Sobhi had indeed interfered with his doping sample. The four-year ban is among the harshest penalties in sports anti-doping cases, typically reserved for serious violations like tampering or repeat offenses.

For Egyptian football, this represents another blow to the national team pool. Sobhi, who has played for clubs in England including Stoke City and Huddersfield Town, was considered an important attacking option for both club and country. The ban means he'll miss major tournaments and crucial years of his career.

The ruling also highlights the ongoing tension between national anti-doping organizations and WADA. When local bodies clear athletes, WADA can still pursue cases if they believe the evidence warrants it. This system ensures consistent global standards, but sometimes creates lengthy legal battles that can span years.