Mohamed Salah: Chelsea midfielder will NOT have to serve military service after Egyptian Prime Minister steps
Salah's future at Chelsea looked to be in the balance after his enrolment in an education program was rescinded
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea midfielder Mohamed Salah will not have to return to Egypt to serve military service after the Egyptian Prime Minister stepped in to resolve the matter, according to reports.
Salah’s future at Stamford Bridge appeared to be in the balance on Saturday when reports in his homeland revealed he could be forced to return to the North African country after his place in an education program was rescinded, meaning he was no longer able to travel abroad.
However, a meeting between Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab, the Minister of Higher Education and the Egyptian national manager Shawky Gharib saw Salah’s situation discussed, and Egyptian news outlet King Fut is reporting that the 22-year-old will no longer have to return home to join his country’s armed forces.
As a result, Salah can travel with the rest of Jose Mourinho’s squad to Austria for their pre-season tour, and will be able to look forward to his first full season with the Blues having joined from FC Basel for around £11m in January this year.
Gharib was reported to have thanked the Minister of Health and Education for his understanding, after the ruling was described as “threatening” the future of Egyptian football.
Salah scored twice in his 11 appearances for Chelsea to date – including a goal in the 6-0 demolition of Arsenal – but it was his two goals against the Blues in the Champions League group stages that alerted Mourinho to the potential of the young African.
Despite his young age, Salah has already amassed 17 goals in 29 appearances for his country, and can now focus on their trip to Austria after getting on the score-sheet in the 3-2 pre-season friendly win over AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments