An Egypt star, who was banned from the national team for allegedly sexually harassing several women, has completed a shock return to the Pharaohs' Africa Cup of Nations squad, as confirmed by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).
Warda, 25, was initially sent packing from the African spectacle for his alleged involvement in the harassment of a number of women, as confirmed by Egyptian publication Yallakora.
As a result, the EFA booted the Greek-based midfielder out of the squad for the tournament and banned him from national team duty indefinitely.
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However, just two days after that decision was made, the EFA have now made a shock U-turn, confirming that the PAOK star has returned to the national team camp, and has been slapped with only a two-match suspension instead of the initial indefinite ban.
"Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Subhi held a friendly session with the players of the national team and their technical staff at the residence of the team yesterday evening, in the presence of Engineer Hani Abu Reda, President of the Football Association," the EFA said in a statement on their official website.
"The Minister urged the players of Egypt to do their utmost to achieve what awaits millions of Egyptian people in the African Nations Championship organised by Egypt.
"During the meeting, Engineer Hani Abu Reda praised the spirit of solidarity between the players and their desire to pardon their colleague Amr Warda and to lift the suspension from him and their commitment to any decision issued by the Football Association in this regard.
"He decided to reduce the penalty of suspension until the end of the first round of the tournament only.
"Abu Reda assured the players of his demand and the demand of all of them to continue this solidarity between them and reflected on their performance in the stadium to delight their fans and the people of Egypt."
Egypt, who booked their spot in the last 16 stage with their 2-0 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday, will do duty against Uganda in their final group game on Sunday.