Mahmoud Wafa returns to Egyptian Premier League refereeing as Tarek Magdy takes charge of Ghazl El Mahalla v Pyramids FC

Mahmoud Wafa will return to refereeing in the Egyptian Premier League when he takes charge of the opening-round match involving Asyut Petroleum and Montakhab El Suez Petrojet.

The appointment marks Wafa’s first appearance in the Egyptian league since 27 April, when he officiated Smouha’s meeting with Al Masry. Al Masry won that match 1-0.

Wafa will be assisted by Khaled Hussein and Ragab Mohamed, while Wael Farhan has been appointed to oversee the video assistant referee system.

The Egyptian international referee has taken charge of 48 league matches during his career. Across those games, he has issued 184 yellow cards and 15 red cards, while also awarding 20 penalties.

Other appointments have also been confirmed for the opening round of the new league season. Mohamed El Ghazi will referee Al Masry’s match against Smouha, while Tarek Magdy has been selected for Ghazl El Mahalla’s game against Pyramids FC.

Mahmoud Nassef will take charge of Tala’ea El Gaish’s fixture against Arab Contractors.

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

Wafa’s return provides one of the main talking points among the refereeing appointments, following his absence from the competition since the Smouha-Al Masry fixture. His previous league record includes a significant number of disciplinary decisions, with 184 yellow cards and 15 red cards in 48 matches, as well as 20 penalty awards.

The first-round programme will therefore feature a number of familiar Egyptian clubs across the opening fixtures, with officials assigned to matches involving Al Masry, Smouha, Ghazl El Mahalla, Pyramids FC, Tala’ea El Gaish and Arab Contractors.

Wafa’s appointment is the latest confirmed detail for the competition after the season opened with Wadi Degla’s match against ZED on Friday evening. His return to the league comes as the Egyptian top flight begins its new campaign and the refereeing team prepares for the first round of fixtures.