Khaberni - Egypt is facing the phenomenon of the naturalization of athletes at international conventions, following attempts to poach Egyptian players, the latest of them being a wrestling champion to play for other countries.
The Ministry of Sports issued an official statement to address the poaching and naturalization of several Egyptian players through illegitimate methods.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, directed to follow up on the file at the highest level by coordinating with the continental, international, and Olympic sports institutions to protect Egyptian athletes from exploitation or illegal naturalization. The ministry decided to contact the African Wrestling Confederation, the International Wrestling Federation, and the relevant national federations to stop any illegal naturalization attempts of Egyptian players, and to affirm respect for the sovereignty of the Egyptian state and its right to preserve its athletes.
These practices have caused widespread discontent in the Egyptian and African sports circles, as they violate Olympic values, contravene athlete transfer laws, and are considered a form of illegal immigration and human trafficking through exploiting the social conditions of some young champions.
The ministry decided to add the issue of the naturalization of Egyptian players to the discussion table at the International Wrestling Federation, to ensure deterrent measures are taken against any entity or individuals proven to be involved in deceptive recruitment or poaching outside legal frameworks.
The ministry affirmed that the Egyptian state, led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, deals decisively with any attempts to infringe upon the rights of its youth or tamper with their national affiliation, prioritizing the protection of its children.
The ministry urged full cooperation from all local and international sports federations to prevent the recurrence of such incidents that pose a moral and humanitarian risk to the future of global sports.
The ministry announced its commitment to nurturing sports champions in various sports, its openness to immediate intervention to solve any problems or obstacles, and smoothing out all technical, administrative, financial, and logistical requirements. The ministry also coordinates with all state institutions to resolve any social and educational problems facing the champions.
The Egyptian wrestler Mohamed Ibrahim "Kesho", who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, announced his step towards changing his sporting allegiance to play for the United States of America, sparking widespread controversy.
The Egyptian champion decided to represent the United States of America in Greco-Roman wrestling, after announcing his retirement from playing under the name of Egypt following his participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
"Kesho" posted photos on his official social media accounts, during his training with the United States' team, in preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
"Kesho" wrote in his comments: "I am an Olympic champion, I get paid 1500 Egyptian pounds, there are no foreign camps as I requested, and I will not continue."
This is not the first time that Egyptian wrestlers have turned to play for other countries. Among the wrestlers who played for other countries like France, are Ibrahim Ghanem "Alwanash," Mohamed Essam El-Sayed, and Ahmed Fouad Bagdouda. Ahmed Ibrahim Ajina and Sarah Judeh also retired due to chronic injuries to the cruciate ligament and knee cartilage.
