Egypt international footballer Ramadan Sobhi has been sentenced to one year in prison after a Cairo court found him guilty in a high profile academic fraud case, according to local media reports. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by the Giza Criminal Court, marking a dramatic turn in the career of one of Egypt’s most recognisable football names.
The ruling comes months after Sobhi was arrested in July upon his return from Turkey, where his club had concluded a pre season training camp. Prosecutors accused the player of falsifying official documents and arranging for another individual to sit academic exams on his behalf at a private institute in Giza Governorate.
Court ruling details and sentences handed down
The Giza Criminal Court sentenced the twenty eight year old footballer to one year in prison with labor. The court also sentenced a second defendant in the same case to an identical term.
A third defendant was acquitted, while a fourth suspect, currently at large, received a ten year sentence in absentia. The court did not immediately provide detailed reasoning in public statements, but media reports described the case as involving forged paperwork and identity misuse during academic examinations.
Sobhi’s legal team could not be reached for immediate comment following the ruling.
Allegations that led to Sobhi’s arrest
The case dates back to complaints filed earlier this year concerning irregularities at a private tourism and hospitality institute in central Egypt. Investigators alleged that Sobhi had enrolled in the institute but later arranged for another person to attend exams and complete coursework in his place.
According to court proceedings cited in local coverage, the accusations included:
-
Falsification of official academic documents
-
Use of a proxy candidate to sit examinations
-
Misrepresentation of identity during assessments
Authorities detained Sobhi in July shortly after he landed in Egypt following his club’s overseas preparations, setting off widespread media attention and debate.
A decorated football career now under a cloud
Before the legal trouble, Ramadan Sobhi had enjoyed a successful football journey both at home and abroad. He currently plays for Pyramids FC, where he played a key role in the club’s historic CAF Champions League triumph last season.
Earlier in his career, Sobhi also featured in the Premier League, gaining valuable experience at the top level of European football. On the international stage, he represented Egypt at major tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics.
Here is a brief snapshot of his profile:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 28 |
| Position | Attacking midfielder winger |
| Club | Pyramids FC |
| International caps | Egypt national team |
The prison sentence now casts serious uncertainty over his playing future.
Wider consequences beyond the criminal case
In addition to the jail term, Sobhi is facing further sporting consequences. Media reports noted that he is already subject to a four year suspension following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which confirmed violations related to anti doping regulations in a separate case.
Together, the criminal conviction and sporting sanctions could effectively sideline Sobhi from professional football for several years, if not permanently.
Reaction and silence from football authorities
As of now, Egypt’s football authorities and Sobhi’s club have not issued detailed public statements on the verdict. The case has sparked renewed discussion in Egypt about athlete conduct off the field and the responsibility of high profile sports figures to uphold public trust.
Fans have taken to social media with mixed reactions, ranging from disappointment to calls for due process and restraint until appeals are exhausted.
What lies ahead for Ramadan Sobhi
It remains unclear whether Sobhi’s legal team will appeal the verdict or seek a reduction in sentence. Under Egyptian law, appeals are possible, but the process can take months.
For now, the case stands as one of the most striking off field scandals involving an Egyptian international in recent years, underscoring how legal and ethical issues can swiftly derail even the most promising sporting careers.
Readers are encouraged to share their views on how such cases should be handled in professional sports and whether athletes should face stricter accountability standards. Your thoughts and discussions help keep the conversation informed and balanced.
