A heated argument broke out between Ahmed Suleiman and Ekrami following Al-Ahly's statement against Hossam Hassan, the manager of the Egyptian national team. The statement was released after Egypt's match against Angola on Friday, which ended in a goalless draw in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Al-Ahly had criticized Hassan's comments about Mohamed El-Shenawy, the team's goalkeeper, describing him as "finished".
Ahmed Suleiman expressed his surprise at Al-Ahly's stance, citing that the club had never issued a statement condemning its players who had previously refused to join the national team. He referenced the case of Essam El-Hadary, who had left for Switzerland, and how Al-Ahly supporters had demanded he not play for the national team. Ekrami, however, defended Al-Ahly's statement, arguing it was against Hassan's comments, not the manager himself.
The debate escalated as Suleiman and Ekrami exchanged views on the national team's dynamics and the role of clubs in supporting the team. Suleiman pointed out that if a player from Al-Ahly or Zamalek caused a problem in the national team, the Egyptian Football Association couldn't suspend the player both locally and internationally. Ekrami countered that players had been suspended in the past for not joining the national team.
Ekrami questioned Suleiman about Essam El-Hadary's participation in a match against Argentina, asking if El-Hadary was still with Al-Ahly at the time. Suleiman replied that although El-Hadary wasn't with Al-Ahly, the club's media had urged him not to play in the match, which he eventually did.
The argument continued with Ekrami insisting that Al-Ahly's statement was justified and Suleiman maintaining that the club's stance was inconsistent. The heated exchange was broadcast on MBC Masr's program "Al-Layeb".
The controversy stems from Hossam Hassan's comments about Mohamed El-Shenawy, which Al-Ahly deemed unacceptable. The Egyptian Football Association and the national team's management have yet to comment on the matter. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Egyptian football clubs and the national team management.
The verbal clash between Ahmed Suleiman and Ekrami reflects the deep-seated rivalries and complexities within Egyptian football. As the debate rages on, fans and analysts eagerly await the Egyptian Football Association's response to the situation and its potential impact on the national team's future.
Key points
- Al-Ahly's statement against Hossam Hassan sparked a heated debate among Egyptian football figures.
- Ahmed Suleiman and Ekrami engaged in a public argument over the club's stance.
- The controversy highlights the tensions between Egyptian football clubs and the national team management.
