Khaberni - The International Sports Court "CAS" announced today, Wednesday, the suspension of Pyramids FC player Ramadan Sobhi for four years, following accusations of tampering with the doping test sample.
The decision, which is the most severe in the player's history, comes after several months of developments and investigations, placing Ramadan Sobhi at one of the most challenging points in his soccer career.
The roots of the case
The roots of the case go back to the past months when a random doping test sample was taken from the player after one of his team's matches in the Confederations Cup in 2021.
According to sources in the sports field, the first sample showed "atypical readings," including an increased water content and changes in the sample's components that do not conform to normal human physiological rates.
This led the CAS-accredited laboratory, which conducted the test, to consider the sample "suspicious," with possibilities suggesting external interference or tampering.
Accordingly, the player and his club were notified of the need to attend a hearing to clarify the situation, a mandatory step under the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency "WADA".. However, as the media discussion intensified, the debate about the likelihood of a severe penalty if tampering was proven also increased.
CAS decision
The case saw several hearings over the past period, attended by Ramadan Sobhi and his lawyer, as well as representatives from his club.
During the sessions, the Pyramids FC player insisted that he did not intentionally tamper with the sample and that the changes in the results could be due to health factors, nutrition, or physical exhaustion.. However, the technical committee recommended further examination and review, especially after comparing the results of the first sample with subsequent samples.
Despite the player's defense and attempts to prove no intentional wrongdoing, the committee believed that external interference in the sample was proven according to laboratory reports, and the player's inability to provide a convincing scientific explanation enhances the possibility of a significant violation before the suspension was lifted after the hearing committee's investigations.
After concluding the deliberations and reviewing the documents and medical and laboratory reports, the organization announced its final decision: suspending Ramadan Sobhi for four years and disqualifying all his results during the period following the sample violation by the International Sports Court.
Player and club's reaction
Hours after the decision was issued, a source close to the player confirmed that he was in severe shock and intends to appeal immediately before the Sports Court, considering the decision harsh and that he did not intentionally tamper or cheat.
On the other hand, Pyramids FC issued a brief statement expressing its respect for the decisions of official bodies, but at the same time, it confirmed its full support for the player until all legal remedies are exhausted.
The statement mentioned that the club had hired an international legal team specialized in doping cases to present a strong appeal file aimed at lessening or overturning the punishment.
Necessary actions
Looking at Ramadan Sobhi, who is 28 years old and has a career spanning from his appearance with Al Ahly to his professional stint in England before returning to Egypt through the gates of the Red Giant, then joining Pyramids, the penalty could significantly threaten his sporting future.
The next period, which is considered the most critical for any professional player, may make it extremely difficult for him to return to his previous level. His chances of joining the national team, as well as the potential to decrease his market value significantly, will be affected.
Therefore, it is expected that the coming days will see legal actions from the player and his club to appeal against the decision, amidst significant media and public anticipation.
Although penalties for sample manipulation are usually strict, some past cases have seen reduced punishments after presenting strong defenses or proving mitigating factors.
Struggle on another front
Ramadan Sobhi is facing a severe crisis after being imprisoned until a verdict is issued in his case of forgery currently under trial, following a person performing academic exams in a private institute instead of him.
The court listened to the plea of lawyer Ashraf Abdel Aziz and the player's defense team, Ramadan Sobhi, as well as the defense of the other accused.
In the sessions, Ramadan Sobhi denied any knowledge of the details of the forgery incident he is accused of, explaining that he was only transferring money to the fourth defendant "fugitive" to obtain a proof of enrollment certificate, with no arrangements related to exams or the documents under accusation.
The court has ordered the imprisonment of Ramadan Sobhi until December 30th, pending the verdict in the case that has sparked wide media debate.
