Head of the Professional Clubs Association, Ahmed Diab, has addressed recent speculation surrounding the Egyptian Premier League, including the scheduling of matches during the first days of Ramadan, and revealed key updates for the upcoming season.
The Premier League will feature 21 teams this season, with the top seven competing for the title and the remainder fighting to avoid relegation.
Diab confirmed that next season the league will reduce to 20 teams, returning to 18 clubs the following season.
Speaking to CBC, Diab dismissed suggestions that the league might be cancelled, saying, “No sane person would think of cancelling the Egyptian league, and this was never discussed in any meeting.”
He also clarified that the national team’s coaching staff, led by Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan, had not requested any league cancellations.
“I am in constant contact with Hossam and Ibrahim,” Diab added. “Our last discussion was on Sunday. They have a detailed plan for the season and a clear strategy for World Cup preparations.”
He noted that the coaching staff had requested an additional five days for the national team’s pre-World Cup training camp, which is being coordinated.
The league is scheduled to conclude in the final third of May, though the exact date will be confirmed following the draw for the second round. Diab also emphasized that relegation will remain in place at the season’s end.
Regarding matches during Ramadan, Diab said no medical warnings have been received against scheduling games on the first day of the holy month.
“Matches will kick off at 9:30 PM, and there is no medical or scientific evidence suggesting any risk. Leagues around the world operate normally during this period,” he explained.
Diab also announced a significant increase in prize money for the league champion next season, which will exceed 20 million Egyptian pounds—up from 5 million in previous seasons.
