CAF CL: World anti-doping body appeals lifted ban on Pyramids’ Sobhi
Thursday, September 19, 2024
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the decision to lift the suspension of Pyramids FC 'poster boy' Ramadan Sobhi.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the decision to lift the suspension of Pyramids FC 'poster boy' Ramadan Sobhi.

The Anti-Doping Organization initially banned Sobhi in March 2023 after he failed a doping test for an illicit drug.

The former Stoke City forward, however, appealed against the decision and he was allowed to return to the pitch in June the same year.

After one year and three months, WADA is challenging the Egyptian Anti-Doping Agency’s ruling, requesting that Sobhi should face a four-year suspension.

Hany Zahran, Sobhi’s lawyer, indicated that WADA’s appeal was anticipated but emphasized that it will not affect the player’s eligibility to play.

Sobhi played 66 minutes in Pyramids' 1-1 draw against APR FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second round game held in Kigali on September 14. The Egypt international is also expected to participate in the return leg, which is scheduled to take place in Cairo on Saturday, September 21.

He has established himself as a key figure in the Pyramids setup since his move from then English Premier League side Huddersfield Town FC where he signed for a fee of €5,000,000 on September 7, 2020.