BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 14: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise poses for a photo with the Trophy during celebrations following his teams 3-1 win in the Coupe de Belgique Final match between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht at Stade Roi Baudouin on May 14, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Anan Khalaili looked to the Quran for guidance after his Inter dream move was shattered by a failed medical, as irregularities were discovered.
The Arab-Israeli player had been in Italy since last week undergoing various tests, including those at club level, to complete the €30m transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise.
Why Khalaili move was blocked
However, every athlete who comes to compete for an Italian side must also receive a certificate of health from the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee), and these are far more stringent than in other countries.
They include cardiac stress tests, and irregularities were spotted that meant Khalaili would not be given permission to work in Italian football.
Now he will return to Union Saint-Gilloise for further examinations, to see if any treatment or further investigation is required.
Khalaili broke his silence with an Instagram Stories showing him in prayer, with a verse from the Quran.
“Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you.”
The rest of the verse notes that “Allah knows and you do not know,” so he is hoping that God has a plan for this twist in his life and career.
Italian rules on these fitness tests are extremely strict, which is why players like Edoardo Bove and Christian Eriksen were forced to leave Serie A to continue their careers elsewhere.
Other leagues would allow for players to have implanted defibrillators, but the Italian legislation does not.
