Mansoura accept Pharco sanctions but call for overhaul of ‘sterile’ regulations

Mansoura president Mohamed El-Bassiouny says the club will accept any penalties imposed after the team withdrew from its Professional League match against Pharco, while insisting that football regulations must be changed when refereeing errors cause serious harm.

Mansoura lodged a formal complaint with the Egyptian Football Association over the events of the second-round fixture, which the club abandoned in protest at the refereeing decisions. Pharco were leading 2-0 at the time of the withdrawal.

Speaking through the club’s official page, El-Bassiouny said: “We withdrew from the Pharco match and accept the sanctions. The board of directors has decided to pay the players a performance bonus and cover all financial fines imposed on the club.”

The Mansoura president added that the club would continue to pursue the matter through official channels.

“We will continue defending the club’s rights. What is happening from the refereeing committee amounts to serious errors, and we are dealing with the Football Association officially,” he said.

El-Bassiouny confirmed that Mansoura had submitted formal appeals in accordance with the current regulations, but argued that the rules were not adequate for situations in which a club could demonstrate that it had been significantly disadvantaged.

“We submitted appeals in accordance with the current regulations, but these traditional, sterile regulations must be changed. When it is proven that harm has occurred, the match should be replayed,” he said.

The club president also said the board would stand by the players ahead of their next game and assume responsibility for the consequences of the decision to withdraw.

“We will stand behind the team in the next match, and the administration will take care of all the consequences. We are responsible for this matter with the official authorities,” El-Bassiouny said.

He also announced plans to establish a dedicated association for clubs in the second division.

The decision to leave the Pharco match came as tensions grew over the officiating, with Mansoura choosing to end its participation despite the scoreline. The club has since maintained that it acted to protect its rights and is pursuing its case through the formal procedures available under the existing regulations.

The Egyptian Football Association subsequently ruled that Mansoura had lost the match 2-0 and imposed penalties and fines on the club.

El-Bassiouny also praised the unity shown in Daqahlia following the incident, highlighting the support offered by the board, supporters and members of the club’s general assembly.

“What happened, in terms of the passion and unity shown across Daqahlia between the board of directors, the fans and the members of the general assembly, proves that we are on the right path. Thank you for your support for Mansoura Club,” he concluded.