Al Ahly Escalates Crisis After Controversial Cairo Derby Decision

Al Ahly's taken legal action following the fallout from their controversial Egyptian Premier League match against Zamalek. The club filed complaint with the Egyptian Olympic Committee against the Egyptian Football Association EFA and the Egyptian Premier League EPL over what it claims were rule violations regarding officiating decisions for the derby.

Controversy Over Refereeing & Walkover Decision

Al Ahly refused to play the highly anticipated clash after the EFA appointed egyptian referee, defying the EPL’s initial decision to assign foreign referees for this and other key fixtures. As result, Zamalek took to the pitch while Al Ahly was absent prompting match officials to declare 3 - 0 walkover victory for Zamalek after 20 minute wait.

The EPL further penalized Al Ahly by deducting three additional points at the end of the season and imposing a hefty financial fine to cover commercial losses from the canceled match.

Al Ahly’s Response & Legal Action

In official statement, Al Ahly condemned the decision threatening to withdraw from the league unless their remaining fixtures against Zamalek & Pyramids FC're officiated by foreign referees. The club maintains that the EFA & EPL breached competition regulations by altering officiating plans without sufficient notice.

The egyptian olympic committee acknowledged receipt of Al Ahly’s complaint and confirmed it would review the case before the next league round.

League Standings & Possible Fallout

With the league now on 1 month break due to international fixtures and Al Ahly’s CAF Champions League commitments, the crisis looms large. The latest standings place Al Ahly 2nd with 39 point, four behind league leaders Pyramids while Zamalek moves up to 3rd with 35 points.

The key question remains, Will Al Ahly follow through on its threat to withdraw or will the authorities find resolution before the league resumes?

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.