Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has directed referring the case of Egyptian footballer Ahmed Refaat, who passed away last month, to the public prosecution in the wake of possible violations concerning the player’s travel arrangements and military service.

According to the Egyptian presidency, the case is to be referred to the public prosecution to take the necessary legal actions to uncover any violations and ensure justice by holding those who have breached the law accountable.

Al-Sisi also instructed the relevant authorities to coordinate the governing procedures for sending players abroad during their military service, aiming to facilitate and clarify procedures ensuring equality in the future.

Refaat died on 6 July at the age of 31. He had suffered a cardiac arrest during a league match against Ittihad of Alexandria on 11 March. He received medical attention on the field before losing consciousness for several days.

The forward was hospitalised in Alexandria before being transferred to Cairo for further treatment on 25 March. He was discharged on 11 April but continued receiving treatment and was fitted with a pacemaker.

Following his sudden death which shocked the football community in Egypt, Refaat’s agent and brother accused certain sports figures of potential administrative and legal violations concerning his move to the Emirati sports club Al-Wehda in a way that impacted his mental health. Refaat had reportedly not been given the requisite permission to travel as he had not yet completed his military service.

The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports announced last month that it was investigating the matter following his death.

Refaat joined Modern Future FC from rivals Masri in October 2021, scoring nine goals in 29 appearances last season.

The former Zamalek and Enppi player made his debut with Egypt’s senior national football team in 2013 and made seven appearances with the Pharaohs.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 8 August, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly