Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Dubai billionaire Al Habtoor gifts Egypt national team players Mitsubishi cars after World Cup run

Mr Al Habtoor noted that the gesture would be extended to members of Egypt’s World Cup technical, administrative, and medical staff.

• July 12, 2026

The United Arab Emirates billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has announced car gifts for each member of the Egypt national team following their historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. 

Before this year’s tournament, Egypt had not reached the knockout stage of the World Cup but broke the jinx in North America, reaching the round of 16 before a controversial 3-2 loss to defending champions Argentina.

Egypt’s performance in the tournament, especially during the last 16 match against Argentina, drew praises from football fans, including Mr Al Habtoor. 

In recognition of Egypt’s World Cup campaign, the Emirati businessman described the team as the pride of the Arab world in a X post on Friday.

He noted that he was coordinating with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to give each member of the delegation a Mitsubishi car. 

Mr Al Habtoor noted that the gesture would be extended to members of Egypt’s World Cup technical, administrative, and medical staff, bringing the total number of cars to be distributed to 59.

“At the direction of the founder and chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, Mr Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, the Group has coordinated with the Egyptian Football Association, and an agreement has been reached to provide a Mitsubishi car to each member of the Egyptian national team delegation, in appreciation of the honorable performance delivered by the team in the World Cup, which delighted millions, raised Egypt’s name high, and brought joy to the hearts of all Arabs,” Mr Al Habtoor said.

He added, “The initiative includes all members of the national team delegation, from the players, technical staff, administrative staff, and medical team, in recognition of their efforts and belief that success is the fruit of collective work.”

Meanwhile, the Peoples Gazette reported last week that members of the national team accused FIFA of fixing the World Cup in favour of Argentina following their loss to the South American giant, while EFA demanded the expulsion of referee Francois Letexier over how he officiated the match. 

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Courtroom

States

Two men arraigned over alleged theft, assault

Mr Adosun later adjourned the case until September 29 for hearing.

The Abuja Grandparents Day

Abuja

Grandparents Day: Senior citizens seek adequate medical care

Mr Komolafe said the event was organised to highlight the critical role of grandparents in national development.

Female NSCDC operatives

NationWide

Marshals nabbed 300 illegal miners, prosecuted 150, says NSCDC

The spokesperson said officials guilty of wrongdoing were subjected to disciplinary measures.