Egyptian ex-soccer star subject to imprisonment in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Al-Wehda football team’s former Egyptian tactician Ahmed Hossam, known as “Mido,” is subject to one year in prison, official Saudi media reported yesterday.

Mido, former Egyptian football national team’s striker, was sacked on Wednesday after he was accused of “insulting one of Al-Wehda fans on Twitter.” Hossam was recently reported to have “offensively” replied to one of his team’s fans on Twitter, using “immoral” words.

“The board of Al-Wehda club have decided the dismissal of the football team’s Egyptian tactician Ahmed Hossam ‘Mido’ and the club would like to thank him for his time with the team,” the Saudi club posted on Twitter. The club did not provide details about the reason behind the Saudi decision.

The 36-year-old footballer later denied the accusation, claiming that his Twitter account had been hacked. “Thanks to Al-Wehda board and thanks to the fans. I held the responsibility in tough conditions and with the support of God, the board, the players’ dedication, the technical, the administrative and the medical staff I was able to lead the team to outstanding performance and results which were hailed by everyone,” Mido said on Twitter, responding to the sacking decision.

A Saudi lawyer pointed out in a press statement that the citizen, who was allegedly cursed by Mido, had the right to resort to the local police and sue him. According to the Article 3 of the Saudi anti-crime laws, the lawyer explained, anyone who violates the private life of another through smartphones was subject to “one-year imprisonment and a 500,000 Saudi riyal fine, or one of the two penalties.”

Since his appointment as Al-Wehda’s Technical Manager in January, Mido has led the team in 13 matches, of which the team won six, lost four and shared the spoils in three.

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