The name of Omar Kamal Abdelwahid has returned to the spotlight at Al Ahly despite his official departure from the club and move to Al Mokawloon Al Arab, after the player revealed details of an incident involving Moroccan head coach Hicham Amouta during the team’s preparation period.
Kamal’s comments sparked renewed debate after he discussed an incident that started over the color of a shirt during one of Al Ahly’s training sessions before developing into a verbal confrontation, while the club insisted that the incident, if it occurred, remained within the normal framework of football-related interaction. ⚽🔴
Both sides have now presented different interpretations of the incident, particularly after Kamal’s departure from the club.
It Started With the Purple Shirt
Omar Kamal said in televised comments that the incident occurred after he returned to Al Ahly following the end of his loan spell at Ceramica Cleopatra, during a period in which the coaching staff were evaluating several players before deciding who would remain with the team.
The player explained that one training session featured a practice game involving three teams and that the assistant coach initially asked him to wear the purple shirt.
However, after a numerical shortage affected one of the teams, the training arrangements changed and Omar Kamal became part of another group wearing green, while he was still wearing the shirt he had originally been instructed to use.
What Happened Between Omar Kamal and Amouta?
According to Omar Kamal’s version of events, he attempted to explain the situation during training, but Hicham Amouta reacted in a way the player did not expect.
Kamal said the coach spoke to him harshly and told him to remain silent, prompting the player to object to the way he was being addressed before stepping away from the situation.
He added that the assistant coach intervened afterward and apologized, stressing that the incident ended at the time and did not develop into a larger dispute within the team.
The story has since brought renewed attention to the relationship between Kamal and the coaching staff during the preparation period.
Al Ahly Respond to Kamal’s Account
Al Ahly’s football department, however, believes that bringing the incident up again does not fully reflect what happened, particularly because Omar Kamal has already left the club and is no longer part of the squad.
A senior club source expressed surprise at the player’s comments and explained that his departure was not caused by a personal dispute with Hicham Amouta.
The source stressed that the decision to release the player was based on a clear technical assessment by the head coach rather than the shirt incident or any issue outside the sporting framework.
Amouta Identified His Technical Needs
According to Al Ahly’s account, Hicham Amouta had clearly identified his requirements at right-back since taking charge and ranked the available players according to his vision for the new season.
The source said Amouta had several players in his plans for the position, including Mohamed Hany, Karim Fouad and Ahmed Eid.
Ibrahim El-Asyouti was also considered as he approached a return from a cruciate ligament injury, while the coaching staff had also been informed about the possibility of signing Akram Tawfik before the latter ended his spell with Al Shamal.
As a result, Omar Kamal was not the only option available in that position.
Al Ahly: Amouta Is Strict but Does Not Cross the Line
The club source acknowledged that Hicham Amouta is extremely strict during training sessions and matches but denied that the coach deliberately insulted Omar Kamal or any other player.
The Moroccan coach was described as strict on the pitch and someone who does not prefer joking during work, reflecting his coaching style.
The source explained that criticism or strong instructions following a technical mistake or failure to follow coaching orders are normal in football as long as they remain within a professional coach-player relationship.
Al Ahly therefore maintains that the shirt incident should not be interpreted as evidence of a personal dispute.
Was the Shirt Incident the Reason for His Departure?
According to Al Ahly’s version, Omar Kamal’s departure was primarily the result of technical considerations.
With several players capable of operating at right-back, the coaching staff needed to reduce the squad and prioritize players based on their technical requirements.
The club therefore insists that releasing Omar Kamal was not a punishment for the incident he described and was not the result of a personal disagreement with Amouta.
Al Ahly: We Treated Him Professionally
The club’s account also extends beyond the technical side, with the source stressing that Al Ahly treated Omar Kamal in the same way it deals with players whose relationships with the club come to an end.
The administration did not place obstacles in his way when the decision to leave was made, and he received his release after the necessary procedures were completed.
The source also referred to communication with the player before completing the process by Sayed Abdelhafiz, board member, and Wael Gomaa, football director.
Omar Kamal’s Financial Rights
The source also stressed that Al Ahly’s policy is based on respecting players even after their relationship with the club ends.
He confirmed that Omar Kamal received his rights according to the established procedures and that his financial dues were handled according to the contract between both parties.
The club wants to emphasize through this point that the player’s departure was handled through normal administrative procedures without disciplinary measures linked to the incident.
Two Different Versions
The current situation is based on two different interpretations of the same incident.
Omar Kamal believes the shirt issue turned into a heated exchange with the coach because of the way he was treated, while Al Ahly insists that what happened, if it occurred, remained part of the normal technical environment and did not represent a personal dispute.
At the same time, both accounts indicate that the incident ended at the time and did not develop into a publicly known internal crisis.
Departure Based on Technical Considerations
According to Al Ahly, the final decision over Omar Kamal’s future was not linked to the shirt incident but rather to a comprehensive assessment of the squad and the coaching staff’s requirements.
With several options available at right-back, reducing the squad was considered a normal part of preparation for the new season.
The club therefore insists that the player’s departure was primarily a technical decision.
Omar Kamal Begins a New Chapter
After leaving Al Ahly, Omar Kamal Abdelwahid began a new chapter with Al Mokawloon Al Arab, while the incident continues to attract attention because of its connection to his time at the Cairo giants.
The player’s comments and the club’s response now represent the two main versions of what happened, with no indication that the incident alone was responsible for his departure.
Al Ahly Close the File
Ultimately, Al Ahly appears to view the incident as something that ended during the preparation period and does not believe it was a direct reason behind Omar Kamal’s departure.
The player, however, brought the story back into the spotlight after leaving the club, creating renewed discussion over the details.
Both sides agree that their relationship has officially ended and that Omar Kamal has already started a new chapter away from Al Ahly.
✨ The shirt controversy involving Omar Kamal and Hicham Amouta has returned after the player revealed his version of events, while Al Ahly insisted the incident was part of the normal technical environment and that his departure was based on sporting considerations rather than a personal dispute. 🔴⚽🔥
📢 Do you believe the shirt incident was simply a normal training-ground situation, or did it reveal a bigger issue between Omar Kamal and Amouta?
