An Egyptian court sentenced former Egypt striker Mohamed Zidan in absentia on Wednesday to six years in prison after he was convicted of issuing three bad cheques to an Egyptian real estate company.

Arab Company for Projects and Urban Development initiated the suit against Zidan, who is believed to be abroad, earlier this year.

The 31-year-old has been out of action since leaving United Arab Emirates club Baniyas last January. He now works as a television pundit for Qatari broadcaster Al-Jazeera Sports, although he hasn't formally announced his retirement from the game.

Zidan helped Egypt win two African Cup of Nations titles, in 2008 and 2010. However, his spell with the Pharaohs was marred by consistent disciplinary problems and accusations of feigning injury.