Ramadan Sobhi, the former Stoke City and Huddersfield Town winger, has been handed a one-year prison term after an Egyptian court found him guilty of academic fraud.
The 28-year-old, once dubbed the "Egyptian Messi" during his youth career, made 46 appearances for the Staffordshire club following his £5million transfer from Al Ahly in 2016.
He subsequently joined Huddersfield after Stoke's relegation from the top flight in 2018, before returning to his homeland that same year.
The midfielder currently plays for Pyramids FC, with whom he claimed the CAF Champions League title last season.
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The fraud case centred on Sobhi's studies at the Pharaonic Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotels, located in Giza near the Egyptian capital.
Prosecutors alleged that the footballer and several co-defendants had manipulated official documentation during his time at the tourism institute.
The falsified materials reportedly included examination answer sheets and attendance records.
Ramadan Sobhi pictured during his time with Stoke City
|GETTY
Perhaps most seriously, Sobhi faced accusations that another individual had taken his exams on his behalf.
The charges related to his hospitality studies at the institution, where he was enrolled as a student whilst continuing his professional football career in Egypt.
When the allegations first emerged, Sobhi issued a statement to Egyptian media denying any involvement in the scheme.
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Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS"I have no knowledge of these certificates or records," he declared, adding: "I have never seen them, and I am still a third-year student."
Three other individuals stood trial alongside the footballer in the case.
One co-defendant received a one-year sentence with labour, whilst a third person was cleared of all charges.
A fourth defendant, currently on the run from authorities, was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in absentia.
The prison sentence caps a turbulent year for Sobhi, whose playing career already lies in ruins following a separate disciplinary matter.
Ramadan Sobhi has made 37 appearances for Egypt
|GETTY
In November, the Court of Arbitration for Sport imposed a four-year ban on the player after upholding an anti-doping violation.
Sobhi had initially tested positive for a banned substance in March 2024, though the Egyptian Anti-Doping Organisation subsequently lifted his provisional suspension that June.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency challenged that decision, with CAS ruling in favour of the global body.
According to Misr Connect, Pyramids FC have expressed respect for the judicial process but are awaiting an appeal from Sobhi's lawyers before commenting further.