ST PETERSBURG: Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy declined to receive a player of the match trophy at the World Cup for religious reasons.

The trophy, an artistic red goblet, is sponsored by Budweiser but Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol.

Egypt team director Ihab Leheta told media on Sunday that Elshenawy said a “few words” and posed for photos in a brief ceremony after the 1-0 defeat by Uruguay but did not accept the goblet.

He said there was no policy or set of regulations for members of the all-Muslim squad regarding their dealings with sponsors or prizes linked to alcohol, adding: “It is up to each one.”

Elshenawy, 29, won the award for a string of fine saves before Uruguay clinched the win with a goal in the 89th minute.

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