In a surprising development that shook the Egyptian sports scene this morning, Friday, security authorities at Cairo International Airport detained former Egyptian national team and Zamalek star Amr Zaki while he was completing his travel procedures. This detention came in execution of final court rulings issued against him, which necessitated preventing him from traveling and holding him pending his appearance before the relevant prosecution authority.
Details of the bulldozer's arrest at the airport
Informed security sources at Cairo Airport revealed that the arrest was a routine procedure during a routine check of departing passengers' data. Computer systems detected the former international player's name on a no-fly list. A criminal background check revealed several outstanding cases warranting his detention, most notably a final court ruling sentencing him to one year in prison for an accidental injury incident in El Alamein. He also has other pending family disputes and legal cases before the courts.
Amr Zaki: A remarkable career and controversial endings
This news comes as a shock to football fans, given Amr Zaki's prominent place in Egyptian football history. Nicknamed "The Bulldozer" for his immense physical strength, which distinguished him as a formidable striker, Zaki was a key pillar of Egypt's golden generation under coach Hassan Shehata, playing a crucial role in the Pharaohs' back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2006 and 2008.
Zaki also boasts a distinguished professional career, having graced English pitches with Wigan Athletic and at one point been a contender for the Premier League Golden Boot, before his career declined due to injuries and some administrative issues. This incident is yet another chapter in the series of crises that have plagued the retired star in recent years, away from the football field.
Legal procedures and the rule of law
Security sources confirmed that the player was treated according to standard legal procedures applied to all citizens without discrimination. A report was filed regarding the incident, and the player was detained pending his transfer to the relevant prosecution office to enforce the judgments issued against him or to initiate legal proceedings to appeal them, as stipulated by Egyptian law. The sources emphasized that the heightened security measures at Cairo Airport aim to ensure the execution of court rulings and prevent the escape of any fugitives, regardless of their fame or social standing.
