In a televised interview full of messages and implications, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, revealed that he had a candid conversation with Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah, reminding him that he is not just a Premier League icon, but a national symbol who carries Egypt’s name into the world’s biggest stadiums. He emphasized that renewing his contract with Liverpool and continuing his professional career abroad is a decision worthy of his stature and beneficial to Egypt’s global image.

Speaking with host Ahmed Moussa on the show Ala Mas’ouliyati (On My Responsibility) aired on Sada El Balad channel, Sobhi highlighted that Salah is a constant subject in official discussions—so much so that he is often proudly mentioned in front of ministers and foreign diplomats. “I sit in official meetings and say with pride: ‘We have Mo Salah’,” he said, stressing that Salah is not just a footballer but a national product—a unique example of Egyptian success abroad who must be supported in every way.

Touching on Salah’s relationship with the Egyptian national team, Sobhi revealed that the player had gone through a period of uncertainty and even considered international retirement. However, swift intervention by key officials helped ease tensions and rebuild trust. He affirmed that Salah now enjoys a respectful and constructive relationship with national team coach Hossam Hassan—one that serves the team’s stability moving forward.
The minister also pointed out that Egypt is confidently moving toward hosting major international tournaments, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Achieving this requires unity among all stakeholders—from enthusiastic fans to protecting the elite players who bring value on and off the pitch.

As part of enhancing fan engagement, Sobhi announced that the Ministry of Interior has officially approved a 50,000-fan attendance at Cairo International Stadium, with full crowds allowed in most other stadiums during African fixtures—except in cases requiring special security arrangements at Cairo Stadium.

However, Sobhi expressed disappointment at the declining fan attendance for less prominent matches. He noted that public engagement has waned, with fans mostly showing up only for high-stakes games. He called for a cultural shift, emphasizing that the national team needs consistent support—not occasional enthusiasm.

He concluded by reaffirming that Mohamed Salah will remain a beacon of Egyptian football and that all efforts will continue to support him. Salah’s presence in the Premier League—particularly at Liverpool—is a win not just for the club, but for Egypt, as it represents one of the nation’s most successful sports stories.

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