Egypt’s national Olympic team, led by coach Shawky Gharib, are preparing to compete in the Tokyo Olympics in July, following its postponement for a year due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Pharaohs headed to a camp this month in preparation for the upcoming Olympics.
Daily News Egypt has learned that a crisis has arisen during the last period over the participation of star player Mohamed Salah at the tournament. This is due to the management at Liverpool FC completely rejecting the player’s participation in the Olympics, as it is not subject to the international agenda.
The source added that the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) is trying to apply pressure during the current period so that they can include one of their most prized players on the team. As part of this, the EFA has given a number of guarantees to the Liverpool administration.
This is especially after the Pharaohs’ draw put it in a strong group that was described as the death group, because of the strength of its teams.
The source added that EFA officials are still trying to include the Liverpool pharaoh and the matter will be finally settled on 28 June.
Gharib has placed Mohamed Salah at the top of the three big players he will include in the Tokyo Olympics, but he is awaiting official approval from Liverpool to make the final decision.
The source confirmed that, in the meantime, Gharib began preparing another player in the same position in anticipation of Liverpool’s continued refusal. They also stressed that Gharib is working to overcome any crisis easily before the Olympics.
A further crisis has arisen involving the Turkish team, Galatasaray, and their star forward Mostafa Mohamed.
Galatasaray have not informed the EFA about the player’s inclusion, which is a cause for concern for Gharib, who depends on this player, mainly because of his strong experience, ability, and skill with the ball.
Gharib finally settled on a slightly older trio who will be included in the Pharaohs in the Olympics, according to the Olympic regulations, which stipulate the inclusion of an over-aged trio.
He has settled on: Mohamed Salah; Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy; and Ahmed Hegazy, a defender with Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia.
