Egyptian Soccer Legend A Terrorist? Mohamed Aboutrika Added To Terror List

A court in Cairo has added one of the country’s greatest ever soccer players to a terror list for alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood. Mohamed Aboutrika, who won a string of titles both for club and country during a glittering career that ended with his retirement in 2013, is accused of financially supporting the Brotherhood, which Egyptian authorities consider a terrorist organization.

In revealing the development Tuesday, his lawyer, Mohamed Osman, stated that the move was “contrary to the law.” He lawyer added that his client had “not been convicted or formally notified of any of the charges against him.” Osman confirmed that “we will appeal this decision,” adding that Aboutrika strenuously denies the allegations.

Aboutrika, 38, supported the successful presidential campaign of Brotherhood member Mohamed Morsi in 2012. But Morsi, the country’s first democratically elected president, lasted just a year in power before being ousted by a military coup. A crackdown on Brotherhood figures resulted in the deaths of around 1,000 people and many more placed in prison.

Aboutrika had much of his assets seized by Egyptian authorities in 2015, while public opinion became split on a man who was an idol during his playing days.

As a player, Aboutrika became one of the most successful and highly regarded African players of his generation despite never playing in Europe. He spent 10 years with Egypt’s biggest club, Al Ahly, where he won seven consecutive league titles and five African Champions League crowns. He was also a star for Egypt, helping his country win two African Cup of Nations titles.

After the second of those titles in 2008 he was named the BBC’s African Footballer of the Year.

A philosophy graduate, he also regularly exerted influence off the pitch. After scoring a goal during the 2008 Cup of Nations he revealed a shirt reading “Sympathize with Gaza,” making him a hugely popular figure among Palestinians.

He announced his retirement shortly after the Port Said stadium disaster in 2012, in which 74 people were killed. He reportedly carried a dying teenager from the field in his arms before spending the subsequent two weeks attending funerals.