# Egyptian wrestlers keep fleeing abroad amid crisis in the sport

https://mins.news/en/item/48730

- Al Jazeera, 2026-09-07 17:41 UTC
- Sports
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/9/7/egypts-vanishing-wrestlers-and-a-sport-in-crisis?traffic_source=rss

> Two Egyptian wrestlers, Ziad Hajjaj Abu Gabal and Mohamed al-Shami, recently disappeared while abroad, prompting public sympathy and possible legal action. Athletes describe very low pay, family pressures and inadequate long-term support, while several Egyptian wrestlers have previously stayed abroad or switched sporting allegiance.