Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy declined to receive a player-of-the-match trophy after an incredible display against Uruguay for religious reasons.
The Egypt stopper produced a string of stunning saves to keep the Uruguayans at bay before Jose Gimenez broke the Pharaohs' resistance in the 89th minute.
After their 1-0 loss, the 29-year-old was given the man-of-the-match award for his display, which comes in the form of a red goblet emblazoned with the logo of World Cup sponsors Budweiser.
However, El-Shenawy was seen shunning the award due to his Muslim beliefs which mean he does not drink alcohol;
"View image on TwitterMarwan Ahmed@MarwanAhmed_KF.@FIFAcom have a deal with @Budweiser for the #ManoftheMatch award. Did they not think these guys won’t accept the award? #EGY ’s @Melshenawy did not take his today.
It seems FIFA has no policies for the Islamic countries participating in the World Cup as Budweiser remains one of the sponsors for the ‘player of the match’ award.
They clearly didn’t anticipate El-Shenawy’s case. this surprised many of the fans, leaving them in dismay as they could not understand why the player rejected the trophy.
everybody was left in wonders not until he took into the social media to express himself.
#hivisasaworldcup