EFA defends referee after unusual shirt incident in Egyptian Premier League opener between Wadi Degla and Pyramids FC

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has dismissed claims that referee Mohamed Abbas Qabil broke any rules during the Wadi Degla and Pyramids match that opened the Egyptian Premier League season.

The goalless draw was heated, with red cards for Pyramids’ Walid El Karti and Degla’s Mahmoud Talaat, plus a denied penalty for the Gazelle late on.

But the real stir came when Abbas appeared wearing a shirt with his name and nickname “Mayo” printed on it, something rarely seen in Egyptian football. An EFA source told Kooora the act was a personal choice and not banned by local or international regulations. The referees’ committee will therefore take no action.

While the focus was on the controversy, Degla’s coach Mohamed El Sheikh praised his side’s spirit against the African champions. “I told the players we are also champions,” he said, recalling their promotion from the second division. “We had to prove that on the pitch, and we did.” He called the clash a tactical battle and accepted the draw.