An African player has received strong punishment from his club after claiming that all his teammates can think of is the wages they are owed.
It was confirmed that Al Masry striker Amr Marei has been fined 1 million EGP (R798 000) after recently taking aim at the club’s hierarchy following his team’s 2-1 win over RS Berkane in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Speaking after the game, the forward candidly claimed that the Greens’ board is becoming notorious for their un-kept assurances and that he and his colleagues have not been paid in three months.
“We are never paid on time, and we just can’t focus on football while thinking about unpaid wages,” Marei told ONTime Sports.
“Nothing improves despite the club board promises. Everybody knows about the club’s problems but the board must stand by the players.
“We do have faith in the board of directors but we are losing it with time.
“It’s been three months now, we are doing all we can but I want to live like a football player.
“I hope that one day I can go into a game only thinking about football, all we talk about now is our unpaid wages.”
Marei’s remarks were not received well by those in the Al Masry boardroom, who responded to his comments with an official statement in which they announced the monetary fine imposed on the player.
“Al Masry board of directors led by Samir Halabeya decided to impose a fine of 1 000 000 EGP on football team striker Amr Marei,” it read.
“The player will also be under investigation due to his comments after the RS Berkane game which we won 2-1.”
The two-time Egypt international joined Al Masry in 2021 from Pyramids, and has since contributed to four goals in 15 matches so far this season.