Why is Mo Salah thinking of quitting Egypt's team?
Liverpool star forward Mohamed Salah is reportedly considering his future with the Egyptian football team. A report in ESPN claims that the Premier League 'Player of the Season' is unhappy for being drawn into a political row during his stay in Chechnya with his national team. The controversy started when he was spotted along with controversial leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Here's more!
Salah's photo with Ramzan Kadyrov courts controversy
Before the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 'Egyptian King' was pictured alongside Ramzan Kadyrov. Ramzan is the leader of the Chechen Republic. The Chechen leader declared Salah as an honorary citizen of Chechnya in a ceremony with the player. Salah has been criticized for allowing Kadyrov to use him in order to improve his Government's international image.
Kadyrov makes the most of his meeting with Salah
"Mohamed Salah is an honorary citizen of the Chechen Republic! That's right! I gave Mohamed Salah a copy of the order and a pin at a celebratory dinner that I gave in honour of the Egyptian team." Kadyrov wrote in a social media post.
Who is Ramzan Kadyrov?
Chechnya is a Muslim region in south Russia which has been plagued by wars between separatists and Russian forces. Ramzan Kadyrov has been the leader of Chechnya since 2004. Kadyrov is a former rebel who switched his loyalty to the Russians. He has been a controversial figure for his human rights violations and anti-gay comments.
Egyptian FA have rubbished the reports
"Reports that Salah wants to leave are completely wrong. Mo is still with us now and he is happy in the camp. He is eating and laughing with his team-mates. He is training well and that means no problem." Egyptian FA said in a statement.
Salah expected to play Egypt's final game against Saudi Arabia
Mo Salah missed his nation's opening game against Uruguay due to a shoulder injury. He came back in the second game and scored Egypt's only goal in 3-1 defeat to Russia. Egypt have already been eliminated out of the World Cup. They will play Saudi Arabia in the final group game of the World Cup and Mo Salah is expected to participate.
