Things are crumbling fast for the Pharaohs

[Pharaoh]

[Pharaoh]

Zaki tried to tarnish my reputation, reveals Mido
Tue, 31 Mar 2009 - 16:23
By: Omar AbdelAziz



Mido made an earth-shattering claim that his Egypt and Wigan Athletic teammate Amr Zaki is trying to blemish his reputation, in the wake of the recent 1-1 draw with Zambia.

The former Roma man added fuel to fire after the disappointing World Cup qualifiers result at Cairo Stadium, where he had to settle for a backup role.

After vehemently denying an outrage regarding his snub, Mido declared that his compatriot was behind the saga.

"There were reports after the game that I protested against the coach's decision to keep me on the bench, which is totally untrue," Mido told FilGoal.com from England.

"I was even more shocked to learn that one of my teammates was responsible for spreading the false rumor, with the help of his agent."

Mido was reluctant to reveal the name of the player, hinting that he plies his trade abroad.

But later on he revealed that it was Zaki who spread the false allegations.

"Zaki and his agent came up with that baseless story," Mido added.

Mido played a brief role against Zambia

"I just want to tell him that success in Europe is not realized by playing well for a few months and scoring some goals.

"I have been in Europe for several years now and I have scored about 70 goals at the highest levels. I think that these rubbish claims do not match my standard."

Clear

Mido reiterated that he coolly received Hassan Shehata's decision not to include him in the starting line-up as he urged the Egypt boss to pronounce the truth in public.

"After the coach informed me that I will not start, I literally told him: 'I am under your command and I will do my best to help the team at any time'," the 26-year-old said.

"I am asking coach Shehata to clear my name after these ridiculous claims. The rest of my teammates were also witnesses.

"I hope we can restore harmony inside the team if we want to reach the World Cup."

[Pharaoh]

EFA to investigate Mido-Zaki saga
Wed, 1 Apr 2009 - 18:53
By: Amro Hassan




The Egyptian FA is set to open an investigation regarding the recent public spat between Egypt and Wigan Athletic strikers Mido and Amr Zaki.

"No decisions will be taken against any of the players before concluding the investigation," EFA president Samir Zaher told FilGoal.com

Zaher added that Egypt technical staff has banned any international player from making media statements.

Mido made a sensational claim on Tuesday that his Wigan teammate tried to spread a false rumour about the former's alleged outburst at being benched in the 1-1 draw with Zambia.

Mido vehemently denied an outrage as he blasted his compatriot, who refused to reply, citing Shehata's request as the main reason behind his silence.

Zaher also confirmed that the investigation will include an inquiry about a number of players who allegedly went partying following the Zambia clash.

"If proven that the players went partying, it will prove that they don't respect the fans' sadness at drawing the game," Zaher added.

[Pharaoh]

Egypt captain Hassan backs Mido in row
Wed, 1 Apr 2009 - 16:38
By: Hatem Maher



Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan denied that Mido was angry to start the team's 1-1 draw against Zambia on the bench.

Rumors indicated that Wigan Athletic striker Mido protested against coach Hassan Shehata's decision not to include him in the starting line-up for Sunday's World Cup qualifier.

The towering frontman, who came on as a second-half substitute, insisted there was no truth whatsoever in such claims and underlined his respect for Shehata.

He also accused Wigan teammate Amr Zaki of spreading 'false rumors' that could have damaged his reputation.

Hassan, who is nursing an ankle injury sustained against Zambia, stood by Mido.

"Mido was my room mate during our training camp. He did not make a single problem," the Ahli midfielder told Egyptian TV.

"He accepted Shehata's decision to leave him on the bench and supported his teammates who started the match."

Hassan also had words of advice for Zaki.

"Zaki's friends are responsible for the problems that happen to him because they always make careless comments," he said.

"I hope he drives them away from media to avoid any problems."

Zaki's personal adviser Mohamed Saied is rumored to have made the comments that incurred the wrath of Mido.

[Pharaoh]

Angry Bruce lambasts absent Zaki



Wigan boss Steve Bruce has questioned Amr Zaki's future at the club after the striker failed to report back from international duty for the fourth time.

The club have been unable to contact the 26-year-old since he played for Egypt against Zambia on Sunday.

"I can honestly say that in all my time in football I have never worked with someone as unprofessional," said Bruce.

"In Zaki's case it really defies belief from a player who is on loan and trying to earn himself a long-term contract."

Zaki, who scored Egypt's only goal in a 1-1 draw with Zambia, started the season in superb form with nine goals in 13 games taking him to the top of the Premier League goalscoring list.

But he has struggled to maintain those high standards, with his last goal for Wigan coming on 28 December.

"I really am at the end of my tether with him," said Bruce, who will fine Zaki for the latest indiscretion.

"I am now fearful that if I don't take firm action, it will disrupt the rest of my squad, who - to a man - behave totally professionally," continued Bruce on Wigan's official website.

Zaki's behaviour has shown total disrespect to the club who pays him a very good wage and, equally as importantly, to the fans who sing his name from the stands

Wigan boss Steve Bruce

"Before this latest incident, Zaki had already been fined considerably more than the average person in Britain earns in a year and he will now face another heavy fine.

"This is the fourth time he has not reported back on time from international training.

"I have already fined him the maximum allowed but this just seems to have no effect."

The Egypt team doctor has faxed Wigan a report claiming that Zaki has picked up a hamstring injury and needs rest, but that has not been backed up by the required scan.

"I just feel it's time that we went public on just what a nightmare he has been to deal with," added Bruce.

"I am right behind my players representing their countries, it is a tremendous honour for the club. This is not the issue here.

"My South American players, for instance, have to go much longer distances but I have never had a problem with any of them.

"I'm sick of answering questions about Zaki's whereabouts and I don't want anything to distract the players from preparing for another massive game for us on Sunday against Everton.

"Zaki's behaviour has shown total disrespect to the club who pays him a very good wage and, equally as importantly, to the fans who sing his name from the stands.

"I think it's time for them to know the truth about the man.

"This situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible and I don't feel it's appropriate to say anything more at this stage, apart from how let down I feel, personally and professionally."

Zaki's Egypt and Wigan team-mate Mido made it back to the JJB Stadium on time.

[Pharaoh]

Zaki refuses to comment on Mido's accusations
Wed, 1 Apr 2009 - 14:05
By: Omar AbdelAziz


Amr Zaki remained tight-lipped over Mido's recent accusations after 'receiving instructions' from Egypt coach Hassan Shehata not to respond.

Mido made a sensational claim on Tuesday that his Wigan teammate tried to spread a false rumor about the former's alleged outburst at being benched in the 1-1 draw with Zambia.

Mido vehemently denied an outrage as he blasted his compatriot, who refused to reply, citing Shehata's request as the main reason behind his silence.

"Amr Zaki refuses to respond to the accusations against him after receiving instructions from the coach not to respond and because he is not willing to be engaged in such polemics," a statement on Zaki's official site stated.

Zaki also implied that this sort of trouble-making does not fit him by any means.

"I've never raised any problem and I will never do because I respect my team-mates, the technical crew and I respect myself before everything," the on-loan Zamalek striker added.

The rivalry between Zaki and Mido emerged in the 2006 African Cup of Nations, when the latter reacted angrily to being replaced by the ex-ENPPI man in the semis against Senegal.

Eventually, Zaki scored the winner with his first touch of the ball, while Mido was the villain after his touchline bust-up with Shehata, who handed the 26-year-old a lengthy ban.

[KasraKhan]

I have always wanted to see Egypt in a WC, but they always seem to disintegrate down the stretch. Even with all the star players at their disposal, they cant seem to gain results in WCQ.

[Pharaoh]

I have always wanted to see Egypt in a WC, but they always seem to disintegrate down the stretch. Even with all the star players at their disposal, they cant seem to gain results in WCQ.

We thought this was finally it... our time.

[The-Iron-Ghost]

yeah i think they would be a great team to replace the great Moroccan team who have now fallen from grace.

[Demis-11]

pharaoh what are egypts odds for making the WC? i hope to see them their too

[yashar_fasihnia]

still in a better situation than iran!

[Shamim]

Don't worry they will do the world cup, they have a very easy group, Zambia, Algeria and Rwanda, the tie againts Zambia was just a bad luck.

[The]

Nothing would satisfy me more than Iran demolishing Egypt in the world cup in front of the globe.

But first... both teams need to make it.

[shayan_esteghlali]

Nothing would satisfy me more than Iran demolishing Egypt in the world cup in front of the globe.

But first... both teams need to make it.

nothing would satisfy me more than iran demolishing ANY team in the WC

[Shamim]

nothing would satisfy me more than iran demolishing ANY team in the WC

nothing would satisfy me more than Iran make it to the world cup.