كتب : Hatem Maher
Amr Adib, who presents the infamous Al-Qahera Al-Youm talk show in Orbit TV, branded Egypt players 'dirty' following their humiliating 3-0 defeat to the US in the Confederations Cup.
He was commenting on allegations made by South African media that the players hired prostitutes following the Pharaohs' stunning 1-0 victory over world champions Italy.
Egypt were eliminated after finishing bottom of Group B with three points due to their inferior goal difference to Italy and the US, who joined Brazil in the semi-finals.
Adib's comments incurred the wrath of several Egyptian players, including skipper Ahmed Hassan, forward Mohamed Zidan and classy playmaker Abou-Treika.
"I'm very unhappy after hearing such words. I sat down with FA chairman Samir Zaher and told him we would not accept that," Abou-Treika told Al-Hayat TV.
"We want the FA to restore our dignity and take an action; otherwise I will retire from professional football."
Few hours earlier, Abou-Treika phoned Adib to defend his teammates against the allegations of South African paper the Sunday Independent.
"Those players are very respectful, they can't do that. We pray five times a day and always act properly off the pitch," the Ahli star, a devoted Muslim who is widely acclaimed by media for his good manners, added.
"You have the right to criticize us in terms of tactics but you don't have the right to talk about our morals."
Five Egypt players said their hotel rooms were burgled following the win over Italy. Brazil team spokesman Rodrigo Paiva also reported similar incident on Sunday
The incidents might once again spark a debate over South Africa's ability to host next year's World Cup.
The country's high crime rate has been the subject of concern since FIFA announced that the World Cup would take place in Africa for the first time in the tournament's history.