In a stunning development, Al Ahly, Egypt’s most decorated football club, has officially withdrawn from tonight’s highly anticipated Egyptian Premier League clash against rivals Zamalek. The match, scheduled for 9:30 PM at Cairo International Stadium, was set to kick off the league’s final stage, but Al Ahly’s decision has thrown the competition into chaos.
The club’s executive director, Saad Shalaby, revealed in a statement on Al Ahly’s official channel that the withdrawal stems from unmet demands regarding the appointment of foreign referees for key matches, including tonight’s derby and their upcoming game against Pyramids FC. Shalaby emphasized that the club’s stance aligns with a formal request from the Egyptian Professional Clubs’ Association, which had called for foreign referees to officiate critical fixtures.
“The statement from Al Ahly is clear. The club is committed to the decision of the Professional Clubs’ Association, which demanded foreign referees for important matches like Al Ahly vs. Zamalek and Al Ahly vs. Pyramids,” Shalaby stated. He added that the association’s request was supported by an official letter from the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), and Al Ahly had also sent a formal request to the EFA for foreign referees to oversee matches against Zamalek and Pyramids.
Shalaby also criticized the timing and organization of the league’s scheduling process, describing it as “inappropriate and poorly managed.” He clarified that while Al Ahly was not directly involved in the scheduling controversy, the club expressed dissatisfaction with the draw process and the irregular attendance of other clubs during the scheduling meetings.
“Al Ahly has no fear of the draw results, which pitted us against Zamalek and Pyramids. We welcome the draw, regardless of its timing or format. However, Al Ahly is always seeking fairness and justice,” Shalaby asserted. He reiterated that the club’s primary concern is ensuring a level playing field, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Al Ahly’s withdrawal comes at a critical juncture in the league season. The Red Devils, currently second in the table with 39 points from 11 wins and 6 draws, are locked in a tight title race with Pyramids FC. A victory against Zamalek would have propelled them to the top of the table, keeping their hopes alive for a record-extending 45th league title.
Meanwhile, Zamalek, though not in the title race, needed a win to secure a top-four finish and a spot in next season’s CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup. The match, steeped in historic rivalry, was expected to be a thrilling encounter, but Al Ahly’s withdrawal has left fans and stakeholders in shock.
The club’s decision has also raised questions about the future of the Egyptian Premier League. Al Ahly has threatened to withdraw from the league entirely if their demands for foreign referees and fair scheduling are not addressed. As the football community awaits the EFA’s response, the controversy underscores the growing tensions between Egypt’s top clubs and the league’s governing bodies.
For now, the fate of the league hangs in the balance, with Al Ahly’s bold move sparking a debate over fairness, transparency, and the future of Egyptian football.
Al Ahly Withdraws from Zamalek Clash Amid Refereeing Dispute, Threatens League Exit Over Unmet Demands
