Dubai: Egypt coach Bob Bradley has taken aim at UAE-based pair Mahmoud Shikabala and Mohammad Zidan after leaving them out of his latest squad, saying he picks players on “morals and commitment”.
Al Wasl’s Shikabala left Cairo club Zamalek SC after a much-publicised touchline bust-up with then-manager Hassan Shehata after being substituted in a CAF Champions League match in May. The 26-year-old winger was consequently dropped by club and country, prompting his move to the UAE.
Bani Yas’ Zidan, meanwhile, fell foul of Egyptian management in July, when he skipped national duty in order to find a new club, having left Germany’s Mainz.
The 30-year-old striker also caused controversy for publicly supporting former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s regime during last year’s revolution and reportedly visiting the fallen dictator’s son Alaa Mubarak in jail. Zidan denies the visit, claiming he was in Dubai at the time.
Bradley said: “We have definite rules for calling players for the national team. Morals come first and then we look for the fitness and performance.
“I have no personal problems with any player, including Shikabala and Zidan, but featuring for the national team needs ethical commitment inside the pitch, especially as football is a team sport.”
Bradley made the comments after announcing his squad for Egypt’s upcoming friendly with Saudi Arabia, which has now been put back from September 11 to October 16. Egypt will instead look to re-arrange two fixtures for September.
