Mohamed Salah and Egypt forced into last-minute World Cup kit change after FIFA crackdown
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesMohamed SalahEgypt are set to face Belgium on Monday in their World Cup opener after being forced to ditch their traditional AFCON stars on their shirts – but it's not just the stars that FIFA have taken issue withMohamed Salah will be involved for Egypt(Image: Getty Images)Egypt have been instructed to carry out an urgent kit alteration mere days ahead of their World Cup curtain-raiser following a stringent new FIFA clampdown.Football's worldwide governing authority has put its foot down, compelling the African powerhouses to completely remove the seven iconic stars from their tournament jerseys, with Mohamed Salah impacted.The stars represent a proud tribute to Egypt's unparalleled seven Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumphs, yet FIFA's regulations committee have formally deemed them unsuitable for World Cup competition.According to rigorous new kit regulations, nations are expressly prohibited from displaying continental honours on their strips. FIFA's rulebook stipulates that exclusively stars symbolising genuine World Cup successes may be worn throughout the tournament.The Pharaohs, who customarily feature the seven stars to commemorate their status as AFCON's most decorated side, haven't merely been subjected to a star prohibition.FIFA has additionally objected to Egypt's shirt numbering system.
The squad's conventional gold figures have been vetoed and must be substituted with standard white, reports the Daily Star.In the view of tournament officials, the metallic gold numerals fell short of visibility standards, and the transition to white is compulsory to guarantee referees and broadcasters can properly identify them during fixtures.Egypt isn't the sole nation running afoul of the rigorous uniform code in North America. The recent intervention follows FIFA's involvement in Haiti's World Cup arrangements.The Caribbean nation was compelled into a hurried, eleventh-hour overhaul after FIFA officials determined that certain graphic elements on their kit could be construed as political messaging in breach of the competition's impartiality regulations.The World Cup is well underway(Image: Michael Yanow/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)Egypt commence their campaign on Monday (June 15) against Belgium, before tackling the remainder of Group G against New Zealand and Iran as they pursue a place in the knockout stages.This summer's competition represents the Pharaohs' fourth participation at a World Cup, returning to football's grandest platform after their absence four years previously.Mohamed Salah, who recently departed Liverpool, is confirmed to skipper Hossam Hassan's squad in what will be his second-ever finals appearance.The winger previously participated at Russia 2018, where Egypt suffered a dismal campaign, exiting bottom of their group following three consecutive losses.On this occasion, Salah and his teammates will be determined to prevent another catastrophic elimination as they chase a historic, maiden berth in the knockout stages.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Mohamed SalahFIFA World Cup