FILE – In this Dec. 9, 2012 file photo, Al-Ahly SC’s Mohamed Aboutrika celebrates after scoring a goal against Sanfrecce Hiroshima during their quarterfinal at the FIFA Club World Cup soccer tournament in Toyota, Japan. A social media campaign to
FILE – In this Dec. 9, 2012 file photo, Al-Ahly SC’s Mohamed Aboutrika celebrates after scoring a goal against Sanfrecce Hiroshima during their quarterfinal at the FIFA Club World Cup soccer tournament in Toyota, Japan. A social media campaign to persuade former star midfielder Aboutrika to come out of retirement – and exile – to join Egypt’s World Cup squad in Russia has stirred a storm in a country where politics and football often mix. The hugely popular Aboutrika already said no to a comeback, but pro-government media, seething over the show of love for the retired player, continues to vilify him over alleged ties to an outlawed Islamist group. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama, File)
