Breaking the Ice: When Rivals Rally Behind Ramadan Sobhy

Breaking the Ice Between Rivals

Ramadan Sobhy’s legal saga has sparked an unusual moment of unity in Egyptian football, as rival clubs Al Ahly and Pyramids FC publicly back the player and stress a shared responsibility that goes beyond competition on the pitch.

Al Ahly, in a formal statement, said its leadership and legal team would cooperate with Sobhy’s representatives, describing the collaboration as unprecedented in recent Egyptian sport. The move is framed as a principled stance rather than a tactical defense in a club feud.

In the opening lines of the statement, Pyramids praised the Al Ahly board under Captain Mahmoud El-Khatib for a humane and sporting posture toward Sobhy. The club called the gesture a valuable addition to the ongoing efforts to support a player considered one of the sport’s most influential figures of the past decade in Egypt.

Both clubs emphasize that Sobhy is more than just a player: he’s described as a core member of the team’s “family.” Their legal teams are working in concert, aided by an international attorney, to explore all available avenues and marshal the resources—administrative and financial—needed to back him at every level of the crisis.

The joint statements stress the seriousness of the situation and the clubs’ commitment to continue supporting Sobhy, whose value on the field is matched by his historical contribution to national teams in Africa, the Olympics, and important qualifiers. The clubs urge the broader sports community to maintain discipline and respect for due process as investigations unfold.

Beyond the administrative and legal angles, the clubs call on sports institutions across the country to back Sobhy during this difficult period. They highlight the importance of safeguarding the player’s privacy and emotions and encourage fans to avoid spreading unverified information or pre-judging judicial outcomes. The emphasis is on upholding laws and sports regulations to protect Sobhy’s reputation and career trajectory.

The statement also frames the current crisis as a test for the Egyptian sports ecosystem: can the community rally around a star when his future is uncertain? It points to Sobhy’s longstanding service to national teams and his prominence in continental and international competitions as justification for wide support from figures across the sport, including some industry icons who have publicly backed him.

Regarding the legal process, Pyramids expressed full respect for the Egyptian judiciary, conveying confidence in the system’s impartiality. The club noted that a ruling is expected on December 30 and pledged to remain by Sobhy’s side until a fair and just conclusion is reached, with continued efforts to help him regain focus on football.

While Sobhy faces a four-year suspension linked to a doping case from a Confederation Cup match four years ago, he also faces a separate and serious allegation of forging documents after a third party allegedly sat an exam on his behalf. The clubs emphasize adherence to the law and the need for clear, verifiable judicial decisions before drawing conclusions.

The overall message from Al Ahly and Pyramids is one of unity and responsibility: a cooperative approach to protect a talented player who has long been a central figure in Egyptian football and a representative on the continental stage. The clubs acknowledge the potential for a new era of cordial relations between them should this crisis lead to greater collaboration and mutual respect rather than endless rivalry.

As Sobhy’s case unfolds, the two clubs reiterate their commitment to supporting him through every phase of the process, hoping for a resolution that preserves his ability to contribute to the national team and the domestic league. They call on the broader football community to exercise restraint, uphold due process, and honor Sobhy’s contributions to Egypt’s footballing story.

Punchline 1: If you’re looking for drama, the referees aren’t the only ones with cards—these two clubs just handed out a masterclass in cross-border goodwill. Punchline 2: When rival teams hug it out, VAR probably asks for a timeout and a cup of tea.