Sheikh Mohamed Pardons Zamalek Trio Amid Soccer Drama

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan pardoned Zamalek players Mostafa Shalaby and Nabil Emad, along with sporting director Abdel Wahed El Sayed, after they were sentenced to one month in prison for assault during a match. This decision reflects strong UAE-Egypt relations.

In a significant development, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has granted a pardon to Zamalek players Mostafa Shalaby and Nabil Emad, as well as the Egyptian club's sporting director Abdel Wahed El Sayed. The trio had been sentenced to a month in prison by the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court for their involvement in an altercation during the Egyptian Super Cup semi-final earlier this month.

The incident occurred at the Al Nahyan ground in Abu Dhabi, where Zamalek triumphed over Pyramids in a nail-biting penalty shootout on October 20. Court rulings included penalties of 200,000 dirhams each. The UAE's gesture of clemency is rooted in the brotherly ties between Egypt and the UAE, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Both nations have lauded the swift resolution. The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports announced the end of the crisis, emphasizing adherence to legal frameworks and celebrating historical relations. This development is expected to see the players return soon.

(With inputs from agencies.)