Four-Year CAS Ban Shocks Ramadan Sobhi: The Doping Case That Stunned Egyptian Football

Roots of the Case

Months of investigations culminated in the Court of Arbitration for Sport taking up the case against Ramadan Sobhi, the Egyptian international and Pyramids FC star. The doping sample collected after a 2021 Confederation Cup match raised serious concerns when the lab reported irregular readings. The sample showed unusually high water content and changes in composition that did not fit normal physiological patterns. The laboratory deemed the sample suspicious, hinting at possible external interference or tampering. Officials notified Sobhi and his club and scheduled hearings in line with anti-doping procedures. Sobhi asserted that he did not tamper with the sample, suggesting health, diet, or fatigue could explain the anomalies. However, the technical committee urged further testing and review, comparing the initial sample with later ones.

The CAS Verdict

After several hearings with Sobhi, his lawyer, and club officials, CAS issued its final ruling: Sobhi was suspended for four years and all results following the sampling date would be erased. Sobhi’s defense argued there was no intent to cheat and that the observed fluctuations could be health-related or due to training load. The committee found indications of external interference in the sample and, given the lack of a convincing scientific explanation, supported a substantial sanction. Following the decision, Sobhi expressed shock and said he would appeal immediately, while Pyramids FC stated respect for the authorities but pledged to support the player through the appeals process.

Reactions and What Comes Next

The club called on international legal teams to pursue a robust appeal aimed at reducing or overturning the ban. For Sobhi, aged 28, this punishment threatens his career trajectory, his chances of national team selection, and his market value. The next steps include formal appeals at CAS and possible modifications to the ban, while the football world watches closely. In parallel, Sobhi faces another legal challenge: he has been detained in a separate forgery case in which an individual allegedly took an exam on his behalf at a private institute. The court heard the defense and argued Sobhi did not know the details of the alleged forgery. He was remanded in custody until December 30 for that case, which has added another layer of uncertainty to his near future.

Punchlines: Four years off the pitch is basically a long timeout—time to practice your victory pose in the mirror.

Punchline 2: If this case ever makes a soundtrack, think dramatic strings and a referee’s whistle—stay tuned for the next episode of “Sobhi vs. Time.”