FIFA appoints all-Egyptian officiating team for Al Ahli’s Intercontinental Cup opener

Egyptian international referee Amin Omar has been appointed by FIFA to officiate the Intercontinental Cup match between Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and New Zealand champions Auckland City, underlining the growing reputation of African referees on the global stage.

The fixture will be played at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah on August 26, with FIFA selecting an entirely Egyptian officiating team for the encounter.

Experienced Egyptian crew given major assignment

Amin Omar will take charge as the match referee, with Mahmoud Abu Al-Rijal and Ahmed Hossam Taha serving as assistant referees.

Mahmoud Nagi has been appointed fourth official, while Mahmoud Ashour will oversee the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. Tarek Magdy will assist as Assistant VAR.

The appointment represents another significant international assignment for Egyptian officials and highlights FIFA’s continued confidence in the country’s refereeing standards.

Recognition for African refereeing

The selection follows a series of high-profile appointments for Omar and his team in recent years after impressive performances in continental and international competitions.

Their latest FIFA assignment is further recognition of the progress made by Egyptian refereeing and reinforces Africa’s growing influence among elite match officials on the world stage.

For Omar and his colleagues, the Al Ahli-Auckland City encounter offers another opportunity to demonstrate the quality of African officiating in one of FIFA’s prestigious intercontinental competitions.