Zaki rules out Pompey switch

Egyptian ace sparks race row

Last updated: 23rd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Zaki rules out Pompey switch

Zaki: Controversial comments

After Portsmouth signed an Israeli player and also hired an Israeli football director (Avram Grant), a possible move was ruled out. On top of that, no way could I play at Portsmouth with an Algerian within their ranks.

Amr Zaki
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Former Wigan striker Amr Zaki has sparked controversy after ruling out a move to Portsmouth on race grounds.

Zaki was believed to be a target for Portsmouth when the transfer window reopens with club shareholder Sulaiman Al-Fahim expressing an interest in bringing the Egyptian to Fratton Park.

However, Zaki has revealed he has no interest in moving to Portsmouth as he is unwilling to link up with Israeli duo Avram Grant and Tal Ben Haim as well as Algerian Nadir Belhadj.

There is bad blood between Egyptians and Algerians following last week's controversial World Cup play-off between the two countries, while some Arab Muslims do not see eye-to-eye with Israelis.

Speaking on his personal website, Zaki claims a switch from Zamalek to Pompey is no longer an option because of the fact Grant, Ben Haim and Belhadj are all at the club

"I refused their offer before, but now joining Portsmouth is no longer an option for me," Zaki said.

"After Portsmouth signed an Israeli player and also hired an Israeli football director (Avram Grant), a possible move was ruled out.

"On top of that, no way could I play at Portsmouth with an Algerian within their ranks."