CAF Champions League: Thorup untouchable, the clause blocking Al Ahly

Africa 10 March 2026 at 09:27

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

Egyptian football giants Al Ahly continue to rack up disappointing results in the 2025-2026 season.

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The Cairo-based club has been unable to return to its winning ways, despite a shake-up at the helm with the appointment of Danish coach Jess Christian Thorup, who replaced Spaniard José Riveiro.

Despite an impressive résumé, the Scandinavian manager has yet to make his mark. Worse still, Al Ahly is now at serious risk of losing its domestic league title.

Many voices have called for Jess Christian Thorup's dismissal, but the club is hamstrung by a contractual clause requiring them to pay €3 million for a unilateral split during the 2025-2026 season.

As a result, the Danish coach remains in charge and will be on the bench for both legs against Espérance de Tunis in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

Related teams and leagues

Al Ahly SC

CAF Champions League