By Charles Maduka
French Ligue 1 club Nantes will impose a fine on their Egyptian forward, Mostafa Mohamed, for refusing to play in Saturday’s crucial match against Montpellier, which was part of the league’s campaign marking the International Day Against Homophobia.
This isn’t the first time Mohamed has missed a match tied to the league’s anti-homophobia initiatives. In 2023, he also sat out a fixture against Toulouse when teams wore jerseys featuring rainbow-coloured numbers in support of the LGBTQ community.
Sources close to Mohamed said he received threats urging him not to participate in such matches. Despite this, a source within Nantes confirmed that the fine he will receive will be donated to an organization that fights against LGBTQ discrimination.
Saturday’s match is especially important for Nantes, who need a win to guarantee safety from relegation. Although they are two points above the relegation zone, a draw should be enough due to their better goal difference.
Earlier, Nantes manager Antoine Kombouaré claimed Mohamed was left out of the squad due to a “minor muscle problem.”
The issue echoes a similar case last year involving Malian midfielder Mohamed Camara, who at the time played for Monaco. Camara covered up a pro-LGBTQ badge and refused to take part in a team photo promoting the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. He was later suspended for four matches by the league.
Nantes’ decision to fine Mohamed continues the ongoing discussion within French football about the balance between personal beliefs and the league’s inclusivity campaigns.
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