Football star loses second appeal against asset seizure

The state committee responsible for overseeing the assets of the banned Muslim Brotherhood has rejected a second appeal by renowned Egyptian football star Mohamed Aboutrika, whose tourism company was confiscated May 7.

A statement from the committee circulated to local media on Sunday did not detail the reasoning behind the latest decision.

Previously, the committee claimed that Anas Mohamed al-Qadi, Aboutrika’s business partner and cofounder of the Ashab Tourism and Travel Agency, “is a leading figure within the criminal Brotherhood organization.”

Al-Qadi is accused of anti-state activities and using the travel agencies funds to finance terrorism.  

This is the second time that the committee has rejected Aboutrika’s appeal. The first time was on May 11, four days after Aboutrika’s company was initially seized on May 7. The committee then, as now, upheld its decision to confiscate Aboutrika’s property.

Following the seizure of his company, Aboutrika dismissed the accusations against the company and its manager. When the asset seizure was first announced, Aboutrika took to Twitter to reject the claims saying, “Thanks to all those who supported me and stood by my side, and may God forgive those who wrongfully accuse and slander me. I will continue with the legal procedures.”

Aboutrika, who quit playing professional football in 2013, remains of Egypt’s most celebrated and popular sports icons. In addition to his fame on the field, he earned a reputation for taking political stances. During the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, Aboutrika took off a Jersey to reveal a t-shirt reading “Sympathy with Gaza” to express solidarity with the Palestinian people during the Egyptian-Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The footballer also supported Mohammed Morsi’s 2012 presidential campaign, and publicly sided with hardcore-fans Ultras Ahlawy, most prominently after the death of 74 Ahly football club fans in Port Said stadium in February 2012.

Supporters of the Ahly football club claim they were deliberately targeted by fans from the opposing team, whilst police closed the stadium gates and sealed them within. Previously, Ultras Ahlawy partook in street fights against police forces during the January 25 revolution in 2011.

The star’s reputation for political activism has led to speculation on social media that his company is being targeted as an act of political retribution.