Africa Cup of Nations hosts, Egypt has recalled back to the squad their midfielder, Amr Warda two days after they sent they send him home over disciplinary reasons connected to sexual harassment.
Warda, 25 who plays for Greek club PAOK, but currently playing on loan for Atromitos was suspended after social media conversations between him and a number of women went viral forcing the Egyptian Football Federation to call an urgent meeting over the matter.
Warda missed Egypt’s group win over DR Congo but his ban has been reduced and now runs to the end of the group stage.
He has since apologised to family, friends and team-mates in a video on Twitter.
Hours earlier, team-mate Mohamed Salah tweeted in defence his teammate: “We need to believe in second chances… we need to guide and educate. Shunning is not the answer.”
Egyptian Football Association president Hani Abu Reda met with the players and technical staff on Thursday, along with Egypt’s minister of youth and sports, Dr Ashraf Subhi.
An EFA statement read: “Hani Abu Reda praised the spirit of solidarity between the players, 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.”
Wednesday’s win means that tournament favourites Egypt are already through to the last 16 when Warda will be available again, having missed the final group game against Uganda on Sunday.
Warda appeared as a substitute for the hosts’ in their opening match against Zimbabwe on the 71st minute which they won on a sole goal.