Anan Khalaily Passes Medicals in England After Failing Italy's Strict Sports Health Tests

Anan Khalaily, who was initially set to join Inter Milan, failed the Italian sports medical examinations due to irregularities in his heart rhythm, which prevented approval from the Italian Olympic Committee known for its stringent requirements. Inter's president, Piero Ausilio, clarified that the club's own doctors were not at fault. Khalaily subsequently signed with Crystal Palace in England, where medical protocols differ significantly. Unlike Italy, England lacks a bureaucratic body requiring formal approval for every player; thus, Crystal Palace's medical team conducted comprehensive tests, including cardiology evaluations, and independently cleared him.

Italian cardiologist Professor Paolo Zapilli explained that Italy's strict regulations stem from a 1995 law mandating echocardiograms and maximal effort stress tests, while England relies more on player responsibility for health. Khalaily reportedly signed a waiver to facilitate his transfer approval. This is not an isolated case; players like Anthony Robinson and Christian Eriksen also failed Italian medicals but continued successful careers elsewhere. Robinson, after failing Italy's tests due to a heart rhythm issue, later joined Fulham and remains active. Eriksen collapsed during Euro 2020, was released by Inter due to Italian league rules, but returned to play effectively in the English Premier League.

Khalaily is considered healthy and in good playing condition, having passed medicals at Saint-Étienne and Crystal Palace. The English club has not officially commented on his medical status, but if there were serious health risks, he would likely not be fielded. This case highlights the differences between Italy's rigorous sports health regulations and England's more flexible approach, explaining why Khalaily's transfer to Inter failed while his move to Crystal Palace succeeded.