Ali Ghazal, the former Egypt international footballer, has been sentenced to three years in prison following multiple fraud convictions linked to a collapsed import-export investment scheme.
The 33-year-old, once celebrated for his versatility on the pitch during stints with clubs in Portugal, China, and Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps FC, began serving his sentence at Cairo’s general prison. His legal troubles began in mid-2024, shortly after announcing a transition into coaching with third-division side Ra Sporting Club.
Ghazal was accused by several individuals of swindling a total of 7 million Egyptian Pounds (approximately USD 140,000) through a company that promised attractive monthly returns.
Investigations by the Egyptian National Police uncovered that Ghazal had issued nine worthless cheques and was implicated in 26 judicial rulings on charges ranging from fraud and embezzlement to breach of trust.
Despite his claims that he had severed ties with the company in 2022, Cairo’s First Settlement Misdemeanors Court upheld the convictions and imposed the three-year sentence, which could only be appealed upon payment of a 10,000 Egyptian Pound bail.
However, amid growing public outrage and a wave of civil lawsuits, Ghazal was re-arrested and transferred to the New Cairo Court for further proceedings.