Former Egypt international, Aly Ghazal has been detained in Cairo's general prison to start serving multiple prison sentences.
Ghazal, 33, who played for clubs in his home country of Egypt before moving abroad to play in Portugal, China and Canada to play for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the Major League Soccer (MLS) was arrested following a series of legal complaints filed by several people.
In July 2024, Ghazal was accused of defrauding his victims out of a total of EGP 7 million ($140,331.58) shortly after announcing that he was set to kick off his coaching career with third division club, Ra Sporting Club.
Per Egyptian National Police (ENP) reports, the former defensive midfield wizard who could operate as a centre back allegedly convinced his victims to invest in an import-export venture promising high monthly returns.
Ghazal is also accused of disappearing after failing to ensure the agreed-upon financial benefits from these alleged investments.
Investigations, further, revealed he issued nine dud cheques and he is facing a total of 26 judicial rulings, covering a spectrum of fraud and embezzlement to breach of trust.
Mohamed Rashwan, the lawyer representing several plaintiffs, confirmed that complaints were filed against Ghazal for scamming them with a fake smartphone import scheme and providing dud cheques with insufficient funds.
Aly Ghazal denied the charges during questioning, asserting he had left the company involved in 2022 and was not at fault.
Cairo’s First Settlement Misdemeanors Court upheld the convictions, sentencing him to three years in prison and imposing a bail of EGP 10,000 ($200.60). However, Ghazal's legal team has announced plans to appeal.
In spite of a previous release order following preliminary investigations, Ghazal was re-arrested due to the growing number of rulings and ongoing lawsuits.
Officers of the ENP transported him to New Cairo Court to effectuate the pending sentences, all of which were issued in absentia.
Kickgh.com understands that more legal objections are anticipated in the next few days.
By: Pascal Amoah
