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27 December 2025

Egyptian players give up football after violence

Published
By AP

Egypt internationals and Al-Ahly players Mohamed Aboutrika, Emad Moteab and Mohamed Barakat say they have retired from all football after witnessing the deadly clashes between fans at their league game against Al-Masry on Wednesday.

Aboutrika and Moteab told Al-Ahly TV that they would not play again after the mass violence that left at least 74 people dead at a stadium in the Mediterranean city of Port Said.

Midfielder Barakat didn't rule out returning one day, but told the channel he refused to play until there was ``retribution for the people that died.''

Aboutrika and Barakat started the game against Al-Masry, while Moteab was a substitute.

Al-Ahly's Portuguese coach Manuel Jose has also reportedly asked the Cairo club to cancel his contract and allow him to return to Portugal.