Archival photoCredit: MOHAMED TAGELDIN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

CNN published on Wednesday details of a statement issued by the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports on its official Facebook page regarding a coach at Al-Ittihad Alexandria Club excluding a junior player named Makari Younan from football trials because of his name.

These developments come within the framework of the concerned authorities' keenness to apply the principles of equal opportunity and prevent all forms of discrimination in the sports system.

The ministry said in its statement: 'In response to the directives of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Gouhar Nabil, to quickly examine what was raised about the complaint of the mother of player Makari Younan, regarding his exclusion from football trials at Al-Ittihad Alexandria Club because of his name, a committee was formed from the Directorate of Youth and Sports in Alexandria Governorate to investigate the truth of the incident and ascertain all its circumstances.'

The ministry indicated in its statement that the committee started its tasks by listening to testimonies of a number of attendees, and ultimately confirmed the occurrence of the violation by the coach concerned.

The government authorities demanded the management of Al-Ittihad Alexandria Club to start an investigation with the coach and punish him with the appropriate penalty, while sending the results and prescribed penalties within a deadline not exceeding 48 hours.

The ministry continued: 'It was also decided to refer the incident to the Public Prosecution to take its course according to the provisions of the law, since junior trials and sports activities must be managed according to the principles of integrity, transparency, and equal opportunity, and that children and youth obtaining fair opportunities to practice sports and discover their talents is an inherent right that cannot be infringed under any circumstance or for any reason.'

The ministry stressed 'not tolerating any violation that affects justice or equal opportunity, or involves any form of discrimination within sports and youth bodies,' explaining that it 'will decisively take the prescribed legal and administrative measures, including imposing maximum penalties allowed by regulations, which may reach suspension and banning from working within any sports or youth body, depending on the severity of the violation and the outcome of the investigations.'

It added: 'Similar incidents will be referred to the Public Prosecution whenever investigations reveal suspicion of committing a crime punishable by law, and the penalty imposed on the coach will be announced immediately after the investigation is completed, in confirmation of the ministry's approach of transparency and accountability, and to safeguard the rights of all citizens without discrimination.'

This incident highlights the importance of strict oversight of junior sector trials in Egyptian sports clubs to ensure that all talents receive their fair rights. Sports fans in the country are following the course of administrative investigations and awaited legal decisions that will be issued against the violating coach. The measures taken reflect a clear government direction to confront any discriminatory practices within youth and sports bodies. The coming days are expected to reveal the final penalties to be imposed by the club management and the competent judicial authorities.