Egypt Defends Banning Pro-Morsi Athletes

Soccer player and Kung Fu champion banned

Egypt's sports minister has defended the punishment of two sportsmen who have openly expressed their support of ousted President Mohammed Morsi.

Taher Abu Zaid told the BBC that it was right a footballer and a kung-fu champion had been banned.

Politics had no place in sport, Mr Abu Zaid insisted.

The two sportsmen were sanctioned after showing solidarity with protesters demanding the reinstatement of Mr Morsi, who the army deposed in July.