FILE – In this Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017 file photo, Egyptian fans celebrate after defeating Congo during the 2018 World Cup group E qualifying soccer match at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, Egypt. A social media campaign to
FILE – In this Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017 file photo, Egyptian fans celebrate after defeating Congo during the 2018 World Cup group E qualifying soccer match at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, Egypt. 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/Nariman El-Mofty, File)
