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Fathi Taher, former owner of Rapid Bucharest, was involved in a $87 million hotel and residential complex project in Kabul, Afghanistan, funded by the U.S. Through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, this project aimed to create a 5-star hotel for diplomats and international officials.

Construction began in 2009 with a planned completion by 2013 but faced delays due to deteriorating security conditions. In 2012, Taliban insurgents occupied the hotel structure, prompting a military response from the U.S.

Army, which bombed the site. The project was ultimately abandoned due to the security risks posed by its proximity to the U.S. Embassy. Taher entered Rapid's ownership in 2008 during a transitional phase but left amid financial difficulties, leading to the club's decline.