‘Commercial Break’ stunt: Masry Tunisian star tricked by TV presenter to divulge transfer wishes on air

Ahram Online , Saturday 17 Jun 2023

Masry’s star Tunisian midfielder Elyes Jelassi was tricked by the host of a popular football show to reveal a desire to move from his Port Said side to Zamalek during an on-air phone interview after he made him believe he was speaking in a "Commercial Break".

Jlassi
File Photo: Tunisian midfielder Elyes Jelassi. Masry Official Twitter Account

 

Made to believe by Moheeb Abdel-Hady, the host of MBC Masr Al-La'ib football show, that he was speaking during a commercial break, Jelassi spilled his guts out.

In an answer to a question by Moheeb on how he sees his future with Masry, Jelassi claimed that he "was contacted by Zamalek assistant coach Medhat Abdel-Hady after a recent friendly game between the two sides to see if he would be willing to join the White Knights during the summer transfer window."

Jelassi, still in the dark, went to explain he "would prefer a move to Zamalek over their traditional rivals Ahly since his chances of participating in games with the White Knights are greater than with the Red Devils who have a packed midfield."

Masry cries 'Foul'
 

Shortly after the episode was aired, Masry issued an angry statement, slamming the act of “deception" by the presenter. 

"The Board of Directors of Masry, headed by Kamel Abu Ali, registers its strong dismay with the unprofessional media performance that violates all media codes of honour, which occurred during the last episode of the Al-Laic program,” read a statement by the club.

“The presenter deceived the Tunisian player Elyes Jelassi by making him believe that the phone call was not broadcast to elicit statements that angered Masry fans and embarrassed the player, the technical staff and management," added the statement.

The club also affirmed their right to take all legal measures to preserve their moral and material rights as well as guarantee the rights of their players and technical and administrative staff.

Jelassi joined Masry in 2021 from the Tunisian side US Monastir on a four-year contract that expires in 2025.

In two seasons with Masry, Jelassi made a big impact with the club, scoring 12 goals and providing 12 assists in 68 games in all competitions.

Media reports put Jelassi on Zamalek’s wish list as the White Knights are seeking to rebuild their squad after a disastrous season.

The "Commercial Break"incident circulated on social media with ‘Elyes Jelassi’ top trending in Egypt all day Saturday. 

Many users and sports journalists criticized the presenter and called for an investigation into the incident.

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