World Cup: Egypt goalkeeper declines Budweiser Trophy as player of the match

Egypt team goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy declined to receive the player of the match trophy, sponsored by the beer brand Budweiser, at the FIFA World Cup 2018 for religious reasons.

Elshenawy is not the lone sportsperson to decline a professional favour from a brand prohibited under Islam.

South African star batsman Hashim Amla too does not support the logo of national team sponsors Castle Lager Breweries on his playing and practice kits. All-rounder Imran Tahir too does not endorse the brand and both forgo players’ share from Cricket South Africa’s revenue from the sponsors.

The World Cup player of the match trophy is sponsored by beer Budweiser. Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol. According to media reports, Elshenawy as player of the match against Uruguay did make a customary appearance at the post-match ceremony but gently declined to accept the trophy with the beer brand.

The 29-year-old Elshenawy was adjudged the player of the match for his outstanding performance under the bar even as Egypt had lost to Uruguay on the solitary 89th-minute goal.

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.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Morocco and Tunisia are competing in the World Cup with Muslim majority teams.

World Cup: Egypt goalkeeper declines Budweiser Trophy as player of the match