In a statement, the Ministry of Youth and Sports voiced deep concern over reports that certain foreign entities are attempting to recruit and naturalise Egyptian athletes through unlawful means.
“These practices have provoked widespread outrage within both Egyptian and African sporting circles, as they constitute a flagrant violation of Olympic values and contravene international regulations governing athlete transfers,” said Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhi.
“Moreover, such actions amount to a form of illegal migration and human trafficking, exploiting the social vulnerabilities of our young athletes,” he added.
The ministry stressed that protecting Egypt’s youth and athletes remains a national priority.
It has taken swift action in coordination with continental and international sporting bodies, including the Egyptian Olympic Committee, the Egyptian Wrestling Federation, the African Wrestling Confederation, and the International Wrestling Federation.
Sobhi outlined the steps taken: “We have obtained official communications from the African Wrestling Confederation to the International Wrestling Federation and relevant national federations, demanding an immediate halt to any illegal naturalisation attempts involving Egyptian athletes.”
“We reaffirm the sovereignty of the Egyptian state and its right to protect its athletes, who proudly represent Egypt on the world stage,” he said.
“This issue has been added to the agenda of the International Wrestling Federation to ensure firm action is taken against any individuals or organisations found to be engaged in such illicit recruitment,” Sobhi added.
The minister also praised the unified African response led by Fouad Maskout, president of the African Wrestling Confederation and vice president of the International Federation.
“This united stance sends a powerful message rejecting any practices that undermine the integrity of sport or the dignity of athletes across Africa,” he said.
Sobhi concluded with a call for cooperation: “We urge all local and international sports federations to work closely together to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, which pose serious ethical and humanitarian threats to the future of global sport.”
The campaign follows an announcement by Egyptian Olympic wrestler Mohamed Ibrahim, known as “Kesho”, who declared his intention to switch allegiance to the United States, citing years of unfulfilled promises and inadequate support from Egyptian sports authorities.
The 27-year-old Greco-Roman wrestler, a five-time world champion and bronze medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, said he has begun the process of obtaining US citizenship and hopes to compete for the United States at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Kesho was part of Egypt’s delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympics and briefly announced his retirement before reversing his decision. He is currently based in the United States and training independently.
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