Al-Ahly SC has issued an official statement confirming that head coach Houcine Ammouta does not operate any social media accounts, and the club is pursuing legal action against fraudulent profiles impersonating the Moroccan tactician. A verified account falsely attributed to Ammouta circulated on X, posting technical commentary about team matters that triggered significant backlash among supporters and media.
Club Denies Coach's Social Media Presence
The Cairo-based powerhouse moved swiftly to address the controversy by releasing a clarification. "Houcine Ammouta, the team's head coach, does not own any accounts on social media platforms including Facebook, X, and Instagram," the statement declared. This direct denial underscores the growing problem of impersonation affecting high-profile figures in African football.
The fake account had posted opinions on tactical decisions and team performance, attributing views to Ammouta that he never expressed. Such fraudulent activity not only damages the coach's reputation but also spreads misinformation among Al-Ahly's global fanbase. The club emphasized that Ammouta "has no connection whatsoever" to any of the disputed accounts.
Legal Measures and Broader Implications
Al-Ahly's decision to pursue formal legal remedies reflects the seriousness with which Egyptian football's most successful institution treats identity fraud. The club has not disclosed specific details about the investigation, but the statement indicates that multiple fake accounts may be involved in the scheme.
Impersonation through social media has become a persistent challenge in professional sports, particularly for clubs and managers with substantial international followings. Identity theft and fake accounts can manipulate public perception, fuel conspiracy theories, and undermine official club communications. Al-Ahly's decisive response sets a precedent for other Egyptian Premier League clubs facing similar threats to their digital integrity.
As social media verification remains inconsistent across platforms, supporters are urged to follow only official Al-Ahly channels and Ammouta's formally confirmed accounts for authentic updates on team matters and managerial decisions.
