02/24/2022 Egypt (International Christian Concern) – Although Coptic Christians constitute around 10% of Egypt’s population, there are few to no Copts represented at the top level or national teams for soccer. As a favorite national pastime, including the nation’s Christians, Copts have expressed their disappointment at the lack of representation and discrimination against the minority religious group.

According to a former player, Ahmed Hossam, only five Christians have played at the top level in Egypt. Many debate whether there is true discrimination against Christians in soccer programs. Names are often a giveaway for someone’s religion, as well as cross tattoos that many Christians have on their wrists, both of which can be used for someone to make a snap decision against the religious minority.

This was the case for Mina Bindari, who played under the name Ibrahim for some time before he dropped out of professional soccer to start an academy for Christian players. He also opened up the institute to Muslims as well. Some claim that Christian parents discourage their children from playing soccer, keeping them from dreaming of something that may never happen.

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