Spanish FA apologises as UEFA commitments disrupt Cairo Derby referee plans

The Spanish Football Federation has apologised to the Egyptian Football Association after being unable to provide match officials for the Cairo Derby between Zamalek and Al Ahly on 11 October.

The Spanish refereeing team had been expected to take charge of the high-profile Egyptian Premier League fixture, but their availability has been affected by UEFA commitments.

As a result, the Egyptian Football Association will now have to appoint an alternative team of referees for one of the most anticipated matches on the Egyptian football calendar.

The Cairo Derby is scheduled to take place on 11 October, with Zamalek and Al Ahly set to renew their fierce rivalry in a fixture that traditionally attracts significant attention both in Egypt and across Africa.

The decision to use foreign officials for major domestic matches is not unusual in high-profile derbies, particularly when the Egyptian authorities seek to ensure a neutral officiating team.

However, the Spanish FA’s inability to release the officials because of their UEFA commitments has forced the Egyptian FA to reconsider its plans.

The Spanish federation has reportedly expressed its apologies for the situation, leaving the Egyptian FA with the task of identifying and confirming a replacement referee team.

The identity and nationality of the new officials have yet to be confirmed.

With the derby approaching, the appointment is expected to attract considerable interest given the intensity surrounding meetings between the two Cairo giants.

Zamalek and Al Ahly are among Africa’s most successful clubs, and their rivalry remains one of the continent’s most prominent domestic football contests.

The Egyptian FA is therefore expected to finalise the referee appointment ahead of the 11 October fixture, with further details to be announced.

For now, the focus remains on finding a suitable officiating team capable of handling the pressure and significance of the Cairo Derby.