Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah showcased an impressive performance for Egypt in his recent national team match, scoring a goal. However, he has been embroiled in controversy for reportedly refusing to be substituted during the game.
The Egyptian Football Association has responded to these claims, stating that Salah played the entire match in the recent international fixtures. Egypt competed against Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States.
In the second match, Mohamed Salah scored a stunning goal that led to a 1-1 draw. Controversy emerged when it was reported that he refused to be substituted. Despite plans for Mostafa Fathi and Nasser Maher to enter the game during stoppage time, only Maher was brought on, with Fathi, who was supposed to replace Salah, remaining on the bench.
The Egyptian Football Association has since issued a statement clarifying that Salah did not refuse substitution. The statement highlighted that Salah was not scheduled to be substituted and that coach Hossam Hassan was content with substituting only Maher.
Mohamed Salah has previously faced controversy with the Egyptian national team. In March, he was left out of the squad due to a hamstring injury. Despite his return to play in a Europa League match against Sparta Prague, he was not selected for Egypt’s team.
EFA board member Walid El-Attar addressed the issue, noting that there was continuous communication between Liverpool, the EFA, and Salah. Official letters outlining Salah’s injury status were exchanged, and El-Attar personally spoke with Salah. He stressed the importance of maintaining official communication in such matters.
The consensus is that Mohamed Salah should gradually return to playing, a process currently managed by Liverpool with ongoing medical supervision.
Salah will not attend the upcoming Egyptian national team training camp but will be available for the crucial World Cup qualifiers during the June international break.
Salah is always eager to represent Egypt whenever called upon, demonstrating his strong affinity for the national team. The EFA and the Egyptian national team are committed to promoting the best interests of both the team and Salah.