Mido launches football academy

Amr Shaheen
BBC Sport, Cairo

There are at least another 50 Midos in Egypt but they just need someone to give them a hand Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam

Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam has announced plans to launch a football academy to nurture emerging talent in Egypt.

The youngsters will be given a formal education, with the most promising talents being sold to European clubs.

"Egyptian football's major problem is the refusal of our clubs to release their talented players to play in Europe," said the Egypt striker.

"There are at least another 50 Mido's in Egypt but they just need someone to give them a hand."

The striker, who also plays for English Premiership side Tottenham, said the players adjudged to be capable of making a success of European club football will not be sold for exorbitant prices.

"We will sell them at the age of 18 for a maximum price of 50,000 Euros."

Mido also revealed his intentions to use the country's football stars as scouts for the academy.

"Players like Hossam Hassan, Hany Ramzy, Ahmed Hassan and many others will travel all over Egypt to hunt for talent," he explained.