Egyptian wrestling athletes disappearance and investigation

Following the disappearance of Egyptian youth wrestler Ziad Haggag in Slovakia during the World Wrestling Championships, further incidents involving the Egyptian wrestling delegation have emerged.

Reports indicate that Haggag, a 19-year-old freestyle wrestler, left his team accommodation after matches and failed to return to his hotel. Subsequent developments revealed that another wrestler, Mohamed El-Shamy, also departed from the delegation during a transit stop in Rome while returning from the Mediterranean Games. In response to these events, the Egyptian Olympic Committee suspended Ibrahim Adel Ibrahim Mostafa El-Attar, the head of the wrestling delegation, citing administrative negligence regarding the custody of team passports.

The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports has referred the cases of both Haggag and El-Shamy to the Public Prosecution for legal action. Ministry spokesperson Mohamed El-Shazly noted that both athletes were part of the ‘National Project for Talent and Olympic Champions.’

The Ministry is currently investigating whether these departures were motivated by economic factors or a desire to seek citizenship elsewhere to pursue professional opportunities. Officials emphasized that sporting achievements do not exempt individuals from legal and administrative responsibilities.

Mohamed El-Shamy, a decorated athlete with multiple African championship titles, has since addressed his decision to leave the delegation. He cited financial instability and the inability to secure a future or afford housing for marriage as the primary drivers for his departure. El-Shamy expressed regret toward his family and supporters, stating that while he still dreams of winning an Olympic medal for Egypt, the lack of sufficient financial support made it impossible to sustain a dignified life or prepare for life after retirement.