Ramadan Sobhi’s Four-Year Ban: The Legal Rollercoaster Sparks Fresh Appeals

The CAS Decision and Next Steps

In Lausanne, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted WADA’s challenge to the earlier acquittal handed by the Egyptian Anti-Doping Agency (NADO) and imposed a four-year suspension on Ramadan Sobhi. The defense emphasizes that the ruling is not final, and a formal appeal to the Swiss Federal Court has already been prepared to challenge aspects of CAS’s process and impartiality.

Lawyer Hani Zahran described the development as a new milestone in a highly complex file, underscoring that sobriety of procedure matters just as much as the verdict itself. He stated that the team intends to file the appeal within the legal window, aiming to scrutinize how CAS handled the case and whether all due process standards were observed.

According to Zahran, the defense possesses important documents and procedural notes that could influence the ruling’s validity. He added that the Swiss Federal Court does not re-examine facts or technicalities, but it reviews whether CAS respected fairness and independence in reaching its decision. The team is preparing a comprehensive dossier to present strong grounds for the challenge in the coming weeks.

As part of the ongoing saga, Sobhi’s supporters argue that the case has several disputed interpretations and that crucial steps must be revisited to safeguard justice in sport. The defense stresses that the matter remains open and actionable under Swiss law, with a carefully calibrated timetable for the next stage of litigation.

Notes on the timeline and possible outcomes

The Swiss Federal Court scrutiny could lead to an annulment of the CAS decision, a remand for new hearings, or affirmation of the four-year ban, depending on the arguments and procedural findings presented within the deadline. The legal team emphasizes prudence and sustained advocacy as the process evolves.

Sobhi’s Career and the Forgery Case

Ramadan Sobhi’s professional journey began in the youth ranks of Al-Ahly, culminating in a senior debut in 2014 and several titles, followed by moves to Stoke City and Huddersfield Town. After returning to Egypt on loan, he joined Pyramids in 2020, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Egyptian football and earning senior national team caps after leading the Olympic squad to AFCON success at under-23 level.

Separately, Sobhi faces another legal matter related to an alleged forgery case in which an individual allegedly performed exams on his behalf at a private institute. During proceedings, Sobhi’s counsel argued that he had no knowledge of the specifics and that his payments to a fourth defendant, who is now a fugitive, concerned only enrollment verification, not exams or documents related to the alleged offense. A court has ordered Sobhi detained until the verdict on December 30 continues to unfold.

The defense asserts that Sobhi’s detainment is a procedural measure while the case proceeds and reiterates that Sobhi denies involvement in the alleged forgery scheme, seeking to protect his name and professional reputation as the broader legal process proceeds.

The Road Ahead

With a 30-day window to file an appeal to the Swiss Federal Court, Sobhi’s legal team plans to argue procedural irregularities and independence concerns tied to CAS. If the appeal is accepted, the four-year sanction could be overturned, or the case could be remanded for fresh hearings under new considerations. The parties stress the importance of due process and a careful evaluation of all presented evidence as the process continues.

Background on Sobhi

Sobhi’s football career spans top Egyptian clubs and European leagues, including an impactful stint abroad and a high-profile move to Pyramids. He has represented Egypt at various levels and has been a key figure in his country’s recent football storyline, a career now shadowed by legal controversy that could redefine his trajectory depending on future judicial outcomes.

The Final Word: Next Steps

As the case advances, Sobhi remains focused on clearing his name and preserving his professional life on the domestic and international stages. Observers expect the Swiss court’s decision to hinge on procedural integrity and due process rather than purely on the substantive facts, highlighting how sports law continues to intersect with global athletic careers.

Punchline 1: If patience were a sport, the Swiss courts would be Olympic champions, and Sobhi would still be warming up. Punchline 2: Four years might seem long, but that’s enough time for a dramatic comeback—timing is everything, and Sobhi’s calendar loves a cliffhanger.