Egypt’s media regulator has ruled in favour of Al Ahly SC following a high-profile dispute with a television channel and one of its presenters, imposing financial penalties and a temporary broadcast ban after determining that professional standards had been breached.
The Supreme Council for Media Regulation announced its decision after reviewing a complaint lodged by the club against journalist Hani Hathout and Modern MTI. The case has attracted widespread attention in recent days, amid a series of public statements and escalating tensions between the two sides.
Sanctions imposed after investigation
The council, chaired by Khaled Abdel Aziz, concluded that the broadcaster had aired unverified information lacking credible sources. As a result, the channel has been fined 100,000 Egyptian pounds.
In addition, all media outlets operating under Egypt’s Press and Media Regulation Law No. 180 of 2018 have been instructed to prevent Hathout from appearing on television for a period of three weeks. The regulator stated that this measure followed confirmed violations of established media codes and standards.
The council said its investigation found that Hathout had breached professional guidelines, leading to the decision to suspend him for 21 days.
Controversy over remarks about club president
The dispute centres on comments made by Hathout during his programme, in which he suggested that Mahmoud El Khatib was unhappy due to being marginalised within the club. According to the presenter, this had led to a withdrawal from club activities, including board meetings.
Those claims were firmly rejected by Al Ahly officials, who described them as inaccurate and damaging. The club responded by filing a formal complaint with the regulator and escalating the matter through legal channels.
Club escalates response with boycott
In response to the broadcast, Al Ahly took further action by announcing a boycott of Modern MTI. The club stated that it would cease all cooperation with the channel and prevent its officials and representatives from appearing on its programmes.
The club also confirmed that it had submitted a report to the public prosecutor, seeking legal recourse over the claims aired by the broadcaster.
Wider implications for media standards
The ruling underscores the regulator’s role in enforcing professional standards within Egypt’s media landscape, particularly in cases involving high-profile institutions and public figures.
By issuing both financial and professional sanctions, the council signalled its intention to hold media organisations accountable for the accuracy of their reporting and the credibility of their sources.
For Al Ahly, the decision represents a formal vindication after days of public dispute, while for the broadcaster and its presenter, it marks a significant setback with both financial and reputational consequences.
The case also highlights the increasingly scrutinised relationship between major sports institutions and the media, especially when reporting touches on internal affairs and leadership dynamics.
