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FIFA World Cup 2018: Egypt goalkeeper declines Budweiser-sponsored award

The trophy, an artistic red goblet, is sponsored by Budweiser and was awarded to Elshenawy following his impressive performance in the 1-0 loss to Uruguay.

Reported by: AP New Delhi Published on: June 18, 2018 12:27 IST
Egypt FIFA World Cup 2018
Image Source : AP IMAGE

Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy in action during a World Cup encounter.

An Egypt team official has confirmed goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy declined to receive a player of the match trophy at the World Cup for religious reasons. (FIFA WC 2018: FULL COVERAGE)

The trophy, an artistic red goblet, is sponsored by Budweiser. Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol.

Egypt team director Ihab Leheta told The Associated Press on Sunday that Elshenawy said a "few words" and posed for photos in a brief ceremony, but didn't take the goblet. (Also Read: Parity comes to World Cup as top nations fail to win opening games)

He said there was no policy or set of regulations for members of the all-Muslim squad regarding their dealings with sponsors or prizes linked to alcohol.

"It is up to each one," he said.

The 29-year-old Elshenawy won the award following his impressive performance in the 1-0 loss to Uruguay on Friday. He made a string of stunning saves before Uruguay clinched the win with a goal in the 89th minute.

Images of Elshenawy gesturing what appears to be a rejection of the trophy held by a young Budweiser representative in the stadium's tunnel appeared on social and mainstream media. Budweiser is among FIFA's top sponsors.

Egypt, a mainly Muslim nation of some 100 million, is playing at the World Cup for the first time since 1990.

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