Egyptian footballer Ramadan Sobhi, a key player for Pyramids FC and formerly of the English Premier League, has been sentenced to one year in prison. The sentence, reported on Tuesday, stems from a case involving academic fraud.
Academic Fraud Allegations
Sobhi was arrested in July after returning to Egypt from a pre-season camp in Turkey. The allegations center on the falsification of official documents and accusations that another person took exams on his behalf at a private tourism and hospitality institute located in Giza Governorate, Central Egypt.
Court Ruling Details
The Giza Criminal Court sentenced Sobhi, 28, and a second defendant to one year in prison with labor. A third defendant was acquitted, while a fourth defendant received a 10-year sentence in absentia, as they remain a fugitive. Attempts to reach Sobhi’s lawyer for comment were unsuccessful.
Additional Sanctions
Beyond the criminal sentence, Sobhi is also facing a four-year suspension from the sport. This suspension was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in November following findings of violations of anti-doping regulations.
Sobhi began his professional career at Al-Ahly before moving to England in 2016, where he played for both Stoke City and Huddersfield Town. He joined Pyramids in 2020, following a loan spell back at Al-Ahly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges led to Ramadan Sobhi’s arrest?
Sobhi was arrested following allegations of falsifying official documents and having another individual sit for exams on his behalf at a private tourism and hospitality institute.
What other penalties does Sobhi face?
In addition to the one-year prison sentence, Sobhi is facing a four-year suspension from sports competition.
Where did Sobhi play before joining Pyramids?
Sobhi began his career at Al-Ahly and later played for Stoke City and Huddersfield Town in England.
What impact will these legal and sporting sanctions have on Sobhi’s future career remains to be seen.