Not only was former Ahli and Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir successful throughout his playing career, but also gained a high reputation as a TV presenter after his retirement. Shobeir, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) vice-president, worked as a commentator for several years before being approached by Dream TV to present a football show which became later very popular among Egyptian people. The 46-year-old spoke to FilGoal.com about his football career with Ahli and Egypt national team, his work in media and revealed hidden facts about several disputes which the EFA resolved. Shobeir and the media You had a great influence on sports programs, what were your tools? Awareness, vision and determination were my basic tools; I usually respect the viewers' mentalities and needs, so I earned their respect in return. You were accused of using your media power to express your own thoughts as the vice-president of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), what do you say about that? I always try to separate my position in the EFA from my job as a TV presenter, in fact my show is often accused of being biased against the EFA because I try to be fair. How do you see your own show 'Football on Dream' now after your departure, and why did they invite some of the names that you used to criticize? I noticed that there was a decline in the number of viewers, but I wish them the best of luck there, I don't have any problems with anyone and I will not launch an attack on the channel. Did you receive offers from famous networks like ART, ORBIT and Showtime? I received a host of hefty offers after I left Dream TV, but I insisted on the condition that the network should be Egyptian. What was the overall reaction in Dream TV after your exit? Honestly, I expected a warmer goodbye when I left after all those years in charge, but that's the case with everything else in Egypt! We have 59 Egyptian players abroad, will you be able to reach them through your new show? I will do my best to contact Egyptian players abroad, and I will host as much players as possible in my show. Shobeir with People's Assembly Do you fancy a job as a minister one day? The ministry role is not one of my future plans, and I am aware that my authority and salary exceed that of a minister. Will the People's Assembly implement Privatization regarding Egyptian clubs, and what is your view on business men taking charge of sports clubs? Sooner or later, the concept of Privatization will be implemented, we agreed on that in our last meeting, and about business men, I think that there some chairmen who proved their success with clubs; such as Zamalek's Mamdouh Abbas and Tersana's Hassan Farid. What are the disadvantages of Shobeir's personality? Generally, I am very strict with myself, I always blame myself for any mistake, for example I still feel guilty for Egypt's exit from the 1990 World Cup as I conceded that goal from England's Mark Wright. What is your opinion on Ismaili president Yahia Al-Koumi? I believe that Al-Koumi was wrongly hired as Ismaili chairman, he is just focusing on his personal interests and he proved to be irresponsible. What do you think about Moetaz Eno's saga and his controversial move to Ahli? Honestly speaking, I think that Zamalek had nothing against Ahli, and also the fine on the player was wrongly imposed, he was fined EGP 70,000 just for criticizing the club! And how are things going between you and Zamalek former chairman Mortada Mansour, who is currently in prison? Despite the conflict in thoughts between us, we are still friends and I hope he gets out of his crisis soon. How do y
