Egyptian Striker Mostafa Mohamed Faces Fine for Skipping Ligue 1 Game

Mostafa Mohamed's fine from Nantes for skipping an anti-homophobia game. Find out why the Egyptian striker refused to play and what's next for him.

Nantes has decided to fine their Egyptian international striker, Mostafa Mohamed, for refusing to play in a match against Montpellier due to the anti-homophobia campaign. The French Ligue 1 side will mark the International Day Against Homophobia during the game, which Mohamed has chosen to skip.

This isn't the first time Mohamed has missed a game coinciding with the French league's anti-homophobia campaigns. In 2023, he refused to play against Toulouse when teams wore shirts with rainbow-colored numbers to support the fight against homophobia. Mohamed cited personal beliefs and convictions as the reason for his decision, stating, “I respect all differences, but my personal beliefs must be respected as well.”

The fine imposed on Mohamed will reportedly be donated to a charity that supports LGBTQ community members who are victims of discrimination. Nantes' decision to fine rather than suspend Mohamed ensures they won't deprive themselves of a key player who has scored 11 goals this season, as they fight to avoid relegation.

Mostafa Mohamed refused to play in a 2023 match against Toulouse due to an anti-homophobia campaign, where teams wore shirts with rainbow-colored numbers. His entourage claimed he faced threats if he participated in the game.

🚨 Nantes will HEAVILY fine Mostafa Mohamed after refusing to play in a match that supported an LGBTQ+ campaign. 🏳️‍🌈

The fine will be donated to Charity by the club.

(Source: @lequipe) pic.twitter.com/KDNn8aG4Yo

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 15, 2025

Nantes has decided to fine Mohamed for skipping the upcoming match against Montpellier, which marks the International Day Against Homophobia. The fine will reportedly be donated to a charity fighting LGBTQ discrimination, according to a source close to the club.

Nantes' upcoming match against Montpellier is crucial, as they aim to avoid relegation. Currently two points above the drop zone, a win would secure their Ligue 1 status, although a draw would likely suffice due to their favorable goal difference.

Nantes coach Antoine Kombouare initially cited “a minor muscle problem” as the reason for Mostafa Mohamed's absence from the squad. However, it has been revealed that Mohamed's decision to skip the match is due to the anti-homophobia campaign.

Mohamed's actions have drawn comparisons to Mali midfielder Mohamed Camara, who faced disciplinary action for similar actions last year. Camara taped over an LGBTQ+ support badge during a game and opted out of a pre-match photo with a banner backing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. As a result, Camara received a four-match ban from the French league.