Know why FIFA decided to remove ads featuring Al Ahly footballer Hussein El Shahat after he supported Palestine
FIFA reportedly removed Al Ahly’s star winger Hussein El Shahat from official Club World Cup promotional content after he appeared wearing a wristband that read ‘Free Palestine’ in early media assets. The decision, first brought to light by journalist Layla Hamed of The Athletic, triggered widespread criticism and reignited debate around political expression in football. As of now, FIFA has not issued an official statement, and neither El Shahat nor his club Al Ahly has commented on the matter.
FIFA removes Al Ahly player Hussein El Shahat’s Club World Cup promotional material after his ‘Free Palestine’ wristband
FIFA has removed promotional images of Al Ahly player Hussein El Shahat ahead of their Club World Cup game against Inter Miami, after noticing he was wearing a ‘Free Palestine’ bracelet.
FIFA doesn’t just stay silent on genocide, they silence anyone who speaks against it. pic.twitter.com/6FPFgfyuCV
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) June 14, 2025
El Shahat, one of the most decorated players in Egyptian football with five Egyptian Premier League titles and four CAF Champions League trophies, had initially featured prominently in photos and videos promoting the global tournament.
However, once the wristband’s message became evident, FIFA discreetly removed him from all campaign materials, opting not to draw attention to the change. This move, intended to go unnoticed, drew sharp backlash after the report surfaced, with many accusing FIFA of silencing pro-Palestine sentiment and suppressing athletes’ right to expression on international platforms.
A FIFA removeu as fotos promocionais do jogador Hussein El Shahat, do Al Ahly, antes da partida contra o Inter Miami pela Copa do Mundo de Clubes, após perceber que ele estava usando uma pulseira com os dizeres: "Palestina Livre"
Via: @AFP
📷DAZN / FIFA pic.twitter.com/Q6sYNmSsPY
— LIBERTA DEPRE (@liberta___depre) June 14, 2025
Who is Hussein El Shahat?
Hussein Ali El Shahat Ali Hassan, born on 21 June 1992, is an accomplished Egyptian footballer known for his versatility on the pitch. Primarily operating as a winger, he has also demonstrated his prowess as an attacking midfielder, currently representing Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League. El Shahat began to make his mark with Misr Lel-Makkasa, where he played from 2014 to 2018. His impressive performances earned him a move to Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.
During his time there, he contributed significantly to the club’s success, helping them clinch the 2017–18 UAE Pro League title. He also played a pivotal role in Al Ain’s remarkable run to the final of the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup, scoring in a convincing 3–0 quarterfinal victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis. By 11 February 2023, he had etched his name into the tournament’s history books, making his 12th FIFA Club World Cup appearance, surpassing Egyptian football icons.
know all details about El Shahat:
- Full name: Hussein Ali El Shahat Ali Hassan
- Date of birth: 21 June 1992 (age 32)
- Place of birth: Egypt
- Height: 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Position(s): Winger, Attacking Midfielder