Political tensions force footballers out of Egypt

Egyptian midfielder Hossam Ghaly Several foreign footballers plying their trade in Egypt have been forced to leave the country due to the tense political situation. Pundits say the departures are weakening top clubs such as Ahly and Zamalek, which in turn could have a negative impact on the competitiveness of the Egyptian football league.
Egyptian midfielder Hossam Ghaly recently left Ahly for Belgian side Lierse SK in a bid to revive his flailing career. He lamented the lack of security in Egypt, and said he felt the domestic league would be postponed again.
Zamalek's Ibrahim Salah joined al-Oruba in the Saudi Professional League after spending five years in Cairo. In his first press conference, the defensive midfielder argued that the political situation in Egypt had an adverse effect on football.
Several African players also decided to leave their Egyptian Premier League clubs for pastures new. Zamalek duo Alexis Mendomo and Abdoulaye Cissé, of Cameroon and Burkina Faso respectively, are two high profile players to have recently left the Cairo club. Meanwhile, Iraqi striker Mohannad Abdul-Raheem turned down the chance to join Egyptian team Ismaily from Duhok.
At Ahly, Senegalese-Mauritanian frontman Dominique Da Silva submitted a formal transfer request for a move to Qatar or Sudan.
Football pundits have warned that the departure of several top Egyptian players could affect the national team's performances in the near future.