Ahmed Soliman, a member of Zamalek’s board and the father of Moroccan player Mahmoud Bentaigue’s wife, has addressed reports claiming that the defender wants to obtain Egyptian citizenship in preparation for representing Egypt.
Soliman said he was hearing for the first time about reports suggesting that Bentaigue wanted to play for the Egyptian national team, stressing that he was not aware of any such request from the player.
Why Was Mahmoud Bentaigue Seen at a Passport Office?
Soliman explained that Bentaigue had traveled with his family in recent hours to a country where security approval is required before travel.
The player was subsequently seen at a passport office with his family, leading some people to connect his presence there with the possibility of seeking Egyptian citizenship.
However, Soliman stressed that the citizenship reports were based on an assumption linking the player’s travel arrangements and his appearance at the passport office, rather than confirmed information about his plans to represent Egypt.
Mahmoud Bentaigue’s Previous International Appearances
Bentaigue has previously represented Morocco at the local level, taking part in the Arab Cup with the Moroccan national team last year.
The Zamalek player also made more than three appearances for Morocco during the tournament, which raises questions regarding his eligibility to represent another national team under international regulations governing changes of national allegiance.
Can Bentaigue Represent Egypt?
Any possibility of Mahmoud Bentaigue representing Egypt would depend on the international rules governing player eligibility and changes of national team, as well as his previous appearances for Morocco.
Therefore, obtaining Egyptian citizenship alone would not necessarily determine his eligibility to play for the Egyptian national team, as his previous international participation would also have to be considered under the applicable regulations.
Has Mahmoud Bentaigue requested Egyptian citizenship?
Ahmed Soliman said he was not aware of such a request and described the reports as speculation based on the player’s travel and appearance at a passport office.
Why was Bentaigue seen at a passport office?
He was there with his family in connection with travel arrangements for a country requiring security approval.
Has Bentaigue represented Morocco before?
Yes. He previously played for Morocco’s local-based national team at the Arab Cup.
Can Bentaigue represent Egypt?
His eligibility would depend on international rules governing national-team changes and his previous appearances for Morocco, not citizenship alone.
