Zamalek defender charged with manslaughter & drug use ahead of Kenya Police match

Zamalek defender charged with manslaughter & drug use ahead of Kenya Police match

Festus Chuma 12:30 - 19.09.2024

The White Knights are expected to field Ahmed Fetouh in their upcoming match against Kenya's Police FC despite the defender facing serious charges of manslaughter and drug use.

Zamalek SC defender Ahmed Fetouh has returned to training just days after being released on bail following his involvement in a fatal accident on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road.

The 26-year-old Egyptian international is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and drug use with his trial set to resume on 22nd October.

Fetouh's return to training comes as Zamalek prepares for their crucial CAF Confederation Cup return leg against Kenya’s Police FC on Friday, September 20.

The incident, which took place earlier this month, involved Fetouh striking and killing police officer Sayed Ahmed Sayed while allegedly driving under the influence of hashish.

According to the Public Prosecution’s statement, Fetouh was speeding on the highway when the tragic collision occurred, leaving the victim’s body dismembered at the scene.

The prosecution’s investigation revealed that the defender had tested positive for hashish, further complicating his legal standing.

In a heartfelt statement posted on his Instagram, Fetouh expressed his sorrow and asked for forgiveness.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Words cannot describe how I feel, and no words can bring comfort to the grieving family,” Fetouh wrote.

He also added, “I hope the family will allow me to offer my condolences in person. What happened will stay with me in my heart and mind for the rest of my life.”

Despite the severity of the charges, Fetouh has resumed training with Zamalek as the club prepares for a series of important matches.

His decision to return to the squad comes after a prolonged absence from training with the defender citing his contractual obligations as a key reason for his return.

“I didn’t attend training to hurt anyone’s feelings. I have a contract with Zamalek that I must respect, especially since I couldn’t train for the past 40 days,” Fetouh explained in his post as per KingFut.

Zamalek’s management has stood by their player, allowing him to return to training ahead of their next match against Kenya Police FC, followed by their much-anticipated clash against Al Ahly in the CAF Super Cup.

The club has not issued any formal statement regarding the legal case against Fetouh, but the player's participation in upcoming fixtures signals that he remains a vital part of the squad for now.

Fetouh, however, remains deeply affected by the tragedy, stating his intentions to take responsibility for the officer’s family. “

"I swear before God that I will take responsibility for the deceased’s daughters for the rest of my life and will do everything I can to earn their forgiveness,” the defender promised, revealing the extent of his remorse.

The legal case surrounding Fetouh continues to develop. Just days ago, the Public Prosecution extended his detention for 15 days as investigations were still ongoing.

A forensic medical report confirmed that the sample taken from Fetouh after the accident tested positive for hashish, further solidifying the prosecution’s claims of drug use.

His trial has been postponed until late October, but the player’s future both on and off the pitch remains uncertain.

In the wake of the accident, Fetouh’s lawyer told MBC 2 that his client is in a "distressed mental state" and hopes to meet the victim's family to personally offer his condolences.

“The first thing he will do is visit the deceased’s family to offer his condolences,” the lawyer said.

Zamalek will face Kenya Police FC this weekend before traveling to Saudi Arabia to take on arch-rivals Al Ahly in a highly anticipated CAF Super Cup encounter where Fetouh's presence on the pitch will undoubtedly draw attention.