The retired Egyptian footballer Mohamed Aboutrika – regarded as one of the best in the nation’s history – has lost a final appeal to have his name removed from a terror watchlist.
Known not just for his outstanding talent on the field, Mr Aboutrika was also politically outspoken – he played a part in the growing political unrest that finally led to the toppling of President Mubarak in 2011.
But when the first democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi was deposed – and his movement the Muslim Brotherhood outlawed, he was accused of links to the group.
Some of his assets were seized and he was placed on a terror watchlist in 2017.
He moved to Qatar where he has built a highly successful new career as a football commentator.
Last month, he sat in the stands while his former club Al Ahly was playing in Doha – the fact that he shook hands with two of the players re-ignited controversy – leading to their suspension for breaching coronavirus restrictions.
