Essam Abdel-Fattah names experienced Egyptian refereeing committee for 2026-27 season

Essam Abdel-Fattah says the Egyptian refereeing committee for the 2026-27 season has been assembled with a mixture of experienced figures who have served Egyptian football and younger officials who can help develop the next generation.

The Egyptian Football Association confirmed the committee’s final line-up on Saturday, with Abdel-Fattah appointed as chairman. He told FilGoal.com that every member had welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the development of refereeing in Egypt.

“The committee includes people with great experience and all of them have served Egyptian football. It is an honour for me to work with them,” Abdel-Fattah said.

Gamal El-Ghandour has been named vice-chairman, alongside Samir Osman. Wagih Ahmed and Mahmoud Ashour complete the announced committee as members.

Abdel-Fattah said El-Ghandour’s involvement was particularly significant because of his standing in Egyptian football and his willingness to assist referees during what he described as a challenging period.

“Gamal El-Ghandour is a great figure and it is wonderful that he agreed to help Egyptian referees in these circumstances,” he said.

He also highlighted the expected contribution of Samir Osman, as well as the roles of Wagih Ahmed and Mahmoud Ashour.

“Samir Mahmoud Osman will help develop refereeing, in addition to the presence of Wagih Ahmed and Mahmoud Ashour,” Abdel-Fattah added.

The committee is set to be followed by the creation of the remaining departments within the refereeing structure. Abdel-Fattah said a dedicated refereeing department would bring together promising younger officials and experienced figures, with the aim of building new personnel for the future.

“The rest of the departments will be formed. There will be a refereeing department that will include distinguished young names and experienced figures in order to create new cadres,” he said.

Asked how the final group had been selected, Abdel-Fattah said the people approached had shown both enthusiasm for the responsibility and a commitment to improving Egyptian refereeing.

“How did I bring these names together? Everyone showed a willingness to take on the task and an interest in developing Egyptian refereeing. That is a wonderful thing from them, and I thank them for it,” he said.

The committee has been confirmed as follows:

– Chairman: Essam Abdel-Fattah – Vice-chairman: Gamal El-Ghandour – Vice-chairman: Samir Osman – Member: Wagih Ahmed – Member: Mahmoud Ashour

The draw for the new Egyptian Premier League season is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 5 August.

Zamalek won the Egyptian Premier League title last season, while Pyramids claimed the Egypt Cup.