Taha Ezzat says regulations, not club allegiance, govern Egyptian football decisions

Taha Ezzat, director of the Competitions Committee at the Egyptian Clubs Association, says he has kept his work separate from his support for Zamalek and insists that football regulations, rather than personal affiliations, determine his decisions.

Ezzat also addressed criticism over his simultaneous work in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, the dispute over the deduction of points from Al Ahly, stadium arrangements and amendments to the Egyptian League Cup regulations.

Speaking to Al-Nahar TV, Ezzat said he had managed both roles without any conflict.

“I was following up on my work in Egypt and the UAE continuously. There was no conflict, and I am currently in Egypt and have finished my work in the UAE,” he said.

Ezzat has faced scrutiny because of his reported allegiance to Zamalek, but said his professional responsibilities had remained separate from his personal support.

“Anyone in Egypt may support Al Ahly or Zamalek, but I was focused on my work. For me, I distinguish between work and affiliation. I apply the regulations,” he said.

“In the end, I was attacked by supporters of both teams. There was a board of directors monitoring my work and, thankfully, no complaint was made against me.”

The competitions chief was also asked about the decision to crown Al Ahly champions of the season before last after a points dispute. The club ultimately had three points deducted rather than six.

“I believe there should be no comment on court rulings. The regulation was referred to the Olympic Committee and the international court,” Ezzat said.

“I carry out my work to the best of my ability. I may be right or wrong, but ultimately the regulations are what govern us.”

He called for greater clarity in the wording of football rules in Egypt, saying uncertainty could be avoided if every provision was explained more precisely.

“We need every word in Egypt to be explained in a clearer and more precise way, so that people understand the regulations exactly and there are no doubts,” he added.

Ezzat also discussed the heavy use of Cairo International Stadium, saying the issue was linked to several factors, including the number of clubs competing in the country.

“The subject of playing many matches at Cairo Stadium is difficult and is connected to other factors. We have a problem because there are a large number of clubs, but new construction work is taking place at different stadiums,” he said.

“Ultimately, you are linked to special committees that determine which stadiums are suitable for hosting matches.”

The Egyptian Clubs Association, he added, had no objection to clubs choosing alternative venues, provided the stadiums met the necessary safety and broadcasting standards.

“The association does not object to anything, but the most important thing is that the stadium is safe, protects the supporters and allows us to provide high-quality television coverage,” said Ezzat.

Petroleum Asyut have selected Borg El Arab Stadium as their home venue because their own ground is not suitable. Ezzat said the priority was ensuring that players and supporters could leave every match safely.

Petroleum Asyut chose to play at Borg El Arab Stadium because their stadium was unsuitable. “What matters to me in the end, and my priority, is that the players and supporters leave the match safely,” he said.

On the merger involving Eastern Company ENPPI, Ezzat described the arrangement as a new experience that would bring initial difficulties but should improve over time. He said the club would initially play at ENPPI Stadium and could later return to a venue in the Eastern Company area if improvements were completed.

“Integration is a new experience with challenges at the beginning, but things will improve with time. Eastern Company ENPPI will initially play its matches at ENPPI Stadium and has the opportunity to improve its own ground. Perhaps we will see the team play in the Eastern Company area later,” he said.

Ezzat said clubs involved in African competitions had been given a clear framework before the season began. Each club would have three days before a match, whether playing at home or away, and the association would provide further assistance where possible.

“All clubs have their schedules from the beginning of the season so they can arrange everything. There will be no postponement of any match,” he said.

He also confirmed an amendment to the Egyptian League Cup rules. From the new season, clubs must participate with their first teams, with players eligible from the age of 16, while the first-team manager must also be present.

Zamalek won the Egyptian Premier League last season by one point from runners-up Pyramids.

The new Egyptian Premier League season begins on Friday evening, with Wadi Degla facing ZED at 17:00 local time.