A Viral Video, a Shock Decision, and the Sport's Most Polarizing Star
In one of the most talked-about moments in modern squash history, the final point of the 2024 British Open has resurfaced online — and it’s raising serious questions about fairness, officiating, and one player’s growing reputation for controversy.
The match featured Egypt’s Ali Farag, a four-time world champion known for his grace and sportsmanship, facing off against his younger compatriot, 24-year-old Mostafa Asal — the sport’s current world No. 1 and self-branded "Raging Bull." At match ball, with a $26,600 winner’s purse on the line, the crowd watched in confusion as Farag stopped mid-rally, staring in disbelief at Asal rather than playing on.
Referees Cleared It. A YouTuber Didn't.
Initially, referees ruled the final rally clean. Mostafa Asal was declared the winner, collapsing to the floor in emotional celebration. But a mysterious YouTube channel, Quash Bad Squash, has since reignited the debate, posting ultra-slow-motion footage that suggests something sinister: Asal appears to make deliberate contact with Farag’s groin using an open hand.
The video, titled “Remember this left hand?”, offers a level of analysis that squash fans say the referees missed. With freeze frames and zoomed-in angles, the channel — whose creator remains anonymous — poses a jaw-dropping question to viewers: “Is this a testicle tickle?”
The footage quickly went viral, and what seemed like just another heated point is now being re-examined as potential foul play — and yet another stain on the already controversial career of Mostafa Asal.
Who Is Quash Bad Squash?
Since launching in April, Quash Bad Squash has posted over a dozen videos alleging unsportsmanlike conduct by Asal. The YouTuber — confirmed only to be a man, working alone — has refused to reveal his identity, citing harassment and legal threats.
But his knowledge of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) rulebook and technical breakdowns have led some to speculate he’s a former player or coach.
“I prefer to let the content of my videos be the sole focus,” Quash said in an email. “You can’t cancel a ghost.”
The Asal Paradox: Hero, Villain, or Victim?
Mostafa Asal is a phenomenon. He plays with power, speed, and flair rarely seen in squash. Off court, he’s charismatic and warm. On it, he's divisive.
Since 2022, he’s been disqualified from tournaments, including the U.S. Open, after a ball he hit struck an opponent’s head and caused a burst eardrum. In 2023, the PSA suspended him twice for dangerous play and unsportsmanlike conduct. Now in 2024, he’s a reigning world champion and the PSA’s biggest draw — but also its biggest headache.
His coach since 2023, former world No. 1 James Willstrop, admits that Asal has repeatedly overstepped boundaries.
“It’s not like these videos have suddenly exposed him,” Willstrop said. “He’s made mistakes. Sometimes he improves, sometimes he backslides.”
The Silence of the Champ
Despite the mounting scrutiny, Asal has chosen not to engage with the YouTube allegations.
“I don’t watch those videos,” Asal wrote in a text. “Great athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo get hate too. But we focus on our goals and ignore distractions.”
Is Squash Letting Asal Off the Hook?
Some critics believe squash authorities are turning a blind eye to keep Asal in the game. With his 2.1 million Instagram followers and growing commercial appeal — including a new sports brand, Shahtoosh, built around his image — he's arguably more valuable to the PSA than any player before him.
But Lee Drew, head of World Squash Officiating, insists that the sport is serious about enforcement. In 2024 alone, his organization issued three new directives to crack down on foul play and is hiring more full-time referees.
A Sport at a Crossroads Before Its Olympic Debut
Squash is enjoying a rare moment of growth. With rising prize money — over $10.5 million across men’s and women’s tours in 2024 — and the sport set to debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, its visibility is higher than ever.
But the sport’s leaders know they must clean house before stepping onto the Olympic stage.
“The rules demand players act in good faith,” Quash wrote. “The referees can’t see everything. But the players know what they’re doing.”
A British Open Bout Turns Into a Wrestling Match
The issue came to a head again at the British Open earlier this month when Asal faced Welshman Joel Makin. Makin, known for his physical play, had warned that he would match Asal’s intensity. In a shocking fourth-game clash, both men collided mid-rally. Makin threw Asal to the ground in a moment that looked more UFC than squash.
Both men ended up in a tangled heap — a fitting metaphor for the state of the sport.
Conclusion: Can Squash Tame the “Raging Bull”?
Mostafa Asal’s talent is undeniable. But so is the drama that follows him. Whether he’s a misunderstood genius or a rule-bender exploiting blind spots in officiating, one thing is clear: he has become the face of a sport still figuring out how to manage its future — and its fury.
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Tags: Mostafa Asal controversy, squash cheating scandal, British Open squash final, Ali Farag incident, squash rules and fouls, squash YouTube controversy, Quash Bad Squash, squash player misconduct, PSA squash tour, 2028 Olympic squash
