Egypt FA hands Champions League places to Zamalek and Pyramids with Al Ahly set for Confederation Cup

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has formally confirmed that Zamalek and Pyramids will represent Egypt in the CAF Champions League in the 2026-27 season, with Al Ahly and Zed allocated to the CAF Confederation Cup.

The decisions were taken on Saturday at a meeting of the EFA board, chaired by president Hani Abu Rida, which focused on preparations for the 2026-27 campaign and a series of key technical and administrative matters affecting national teams and domestic competitions.

African club slots confirmed

Zamalek and Pyramids have been registered as Egypt’s two entrants in the next edition of the CAF Champions League, the continent’s premier club competition.

Al Ahly, the record Champions League winners, and Zed will instead compete in the CAF Confederation Cup during the same season.

The board approved the list of clubs that will carry Egypt’s flag in African competitions after reviewing the federation’s qualifying criteria for the 2026-27 sporting year.

Committee to negotiate Hossam Hassan renewal

The EFA also moved to address the future of Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan by setting up a dedicated committee to negotiate the renewal of his contract.

The panel will include Khaled El Darandali, Tarek Abou El Einien and Hamada El Sherbini, who have been tasked with outlining the proposed terms for extending Hassan’s deal with the senior national team.

Once their work is complete, the committee will submit its recommendations and contract details to EFA president Hani Abu Rida, in order for the renewal procedures to be finalised.

Referees and technical structure reshaped

In a further significant decision, the board approved the appointment of Essam Abdel Fattah as head of the Referees Committee for the 2026-27 season.

The full line-up of the Referees Committee will be presented to the EFA board for ratification at its next meeting, as part of wider efforts to refine officiating structures ahead of the new campaign.

The EFA also confirmed the appointment of Shawky Gharib in the role of technical director of the federation. His arrival is part of a broader restructuring of the EFA’s technical departments as it looks to strengthen planning and support for all national teams going into the 2026-27 season.

Support for clubs and new medical regulations

The board endorsed a memorandum from the EFA secretary general concerning financial and organisational support for “ الجماهيرية ” clubs – those with large fan bases – as the federation seeks to bolster the standing and sustainability of Egypt’s most followed sides.

In the same session, the EFA ratified details related to the distribution of television broadcast revenue and prize money for domestic competitions in 2026-27, describing the measures as key to modernising the local competitions framework and enhancing backing for clubs.

The board also approved a comprehensive medical regulations code governing the work of medical staff with both clubs and national teams.

These medical regulations will come into force from the start of the 2026-27 season and are designed to standardise medical procedures and improve the quality of healthcare and injury management for players across all competitions and Egypt’s representative sides.