Ramadan Sobhi’s Court Stay: Verdict Date Set as Forensic Drama Unfolds

Case details and court proceedings

In a session before the Giza Criminal Court—the 30th circuit, held in Shubra El-Kheima, the trial of football star Ramadan Sobhi of Pyramids FC and three co-defendants was postponed. The judge announced that the verdict would be delivered on December 30, and all defendants would remain in custody until then. Presiding over the hearing was Counselor Taha Ibrahim Abdel-Azim, with the court’s secretary in attendance as well as a heavy security presence given the high-profile nature of the case.

The charges revolve around forgery related to examinations and attendance records at the Pharaohs Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotels in the Abu al-Nemr area. The prosecution alleges that Sobhi, along with others, participated in creating or using official documents to prove attendance at exams and courses that did not occur. An additional accused, including a fugitive named Tariq Mohammed, is described as an intermediary or facilitator in the process.

Defense, testimonies, and the surrounding context

The defense, led by Ashraf Abdel Aziz, presented preliminary defenses and noted a dispute over certain documents submitted in the case. The defense suggested that another individual named Yusuf could have sat the exams in Sobhi’s place, arguing that some materials and procedures were not properly authenticated. The prosecution maintained the seriousness of the alleged forgery and asked the court to continue detaining all defendants pending further investigation and witness testimony.

Security around the courthouse was tight, with media outlets and fans milling outside as Sobhi entered the courtroom minutes before proceedings began. Sherif Ekramy, Sobhi’s supporter and fellow club colleague, attended to offer moral support during the session. Inside the courtroom, Sobhi appeared composed while consulting with his lawyer prior to proceedings and took his place in the defendant’s cage as the case moved forward.

What happens next and broader implications

The court adjourned to allow for continued review of evidence and the summoning of additional witnesses. The judge emphasized that the detention order would remain in effect given the gravity of the charges and the risk of tampering with evidence. The case sits within a broader wave of investigations into educational institutions and official misconduct aimed at students and public figures, prompting tighter oversight by the higher education authorities.

Omar Huridi, the attorney who first represented the lead defendant, revealed in recent interviews that he withdrew from the case to avoid media conflicts, signaling ongoing legal maneuvering behind the scenes. Prosecutors stressed that Sobhi and co-defendants allegedly manipulated official records to demonstrate attendance at exams and training sessions that never occurred, with them purportedly using these forged documents to obtain legitimate recognition of attendance.

It’s worth noting that Ramadan Sobhi contributed to a CAF Champions League title with Pyramids FC last season and had previously moved to the club after a loan spell with Al Ahly and a stint at Huddersfield Town. The next hearing will be decisive for whether Sobhi’s detention continues or if further actions erase the cloud over this high-profile figure.

Punchline time: If this trial were a football match, the verdict would be that dramatic stoppage-time goal everyone talks about—in December, when the referee finally whips out the whistle. Punchline 2: In court, timing is everything; this case feels like a 90+3 with extra time, and the calendar is clearly the goalkeeper who never misses the shot at headlines.