“You Lost Numbers, Titles, Glory and History”.. Haitham Arafaei on Ramadan Sobhi’s Suspension ⚽🔥

Former Al Ahly contracts director Haitham Arafaei commented on the decision to maintain Ramadan Sobhi’s four-year suspension in the doping case after the player’s appeal before the Swiss Federal Court was rejected.

The decision has opened further discussion about Ramadan Sobhi’s future, particularly because of his absence from football during an important stage of his career. Haitham Arafaei expressed his sadness over what he considers a missed opportunity for the player to achieve greater numbers and accomplishments.

Haitham Arafaei: Ramadan Sobhi Made the Wrong Choice

Haitham Arafaei posted his reaction on his official Facebook account, referring to the consequences of the suspension and stating that Ramadan Sobhi is set to remain out of football until 2029.

Arafaei acknowledged that some people believe the player achieved significant financial gains during his spell with Pyramids, stressing that this was his right and his choice. However, he argued that continuing with Al Ahly could have opened the door to greater financial and sporting achievements.

He explained that his argument was not only about money, but also about the titles, statistics, glory and legacy the player could potentially have built, in addition to advertising opportunities that might have accompanied continued success with Al Ahly.

“He Could Have Made More Money and Big Numbers”

The former Al Ahly contracts director said Ramadan Sobhi had the opportunity to achieve major gains both financially and athletically, maintaining that, in his view, his decision at the time was not the right one.

Arafaei reiterated his position, arguing that moving to Pyramids meant, from his perspective, missing opportunities that could have been available at Al Ahly, whether in terms of trophies, statistics or popularity among supporters.

Arafaei’s Biggest Concern Is Ramadan Sobhi’s Age

Haitham Arafaei also expressed particular sadness over Ramadan Sobhi being away from football at an age when, in his view, he should still be capable of producing some of the best years of his career.

He noted that the player is 29 years old and should have been entering a mature stage of his football career, describing the lengthy absence as a major loss for a talent from whom much had been expected.

The suspension, which is set to run until 2029, also raises major questions about what Ramadan Sobhi’s return could look like after the end of the ban, particularly given the impact of such a lengthy absence from competitive football.

Haitham Arafaei Recalls Mahmoud El Khatib’s Statement

Arafaei ended his comments by recalling a previous statement from Al Ahly president Mahmoud El Khatib, saying the words “I’m not upset with them, I’m upset for them” now carry even greater meaning for him in light of the latest developments.

Ramadan Sobhi Set to Remain Out Until 2029

The Swiss Federal Court rejected Ramadan Sobhi’s appeal against the punishment imposed in the doping case, meaning the four-year suspension remains in place, according to reports cited in the source material.

The punishment means Ramadan Sobhi is barred from playing football during the suspension period, creating major questions over his future with Pyramids and making the next stage of his career significantly different.

The debate over the impact of the decision is expected to continue, particularly because of the long absence from official competition, as attention turns to what the player’s career could look like after the suspension ends. ⚽