Zamalek issue fresh warning over refereeing complaint after Al Ahly defeat

Zamalek have issued a fresh warning to the Egyptian Football Association, insisting they will not remain silent if their complaint over refereeing decisions in the Cairo derby against Al Ahly goes unanswered.

The White Knights suffered a 2-0 defeat to their arch-rivals on Sunday, October 11, in the sixth round of the 2026/27 Egyptian Premier League, with the result handing Zamalek their first league loss of the campaign.

Despite the setback, Zamalek have maintained that they have legitimate concerns over the officiating and are demanding an explanation from the relevant football authorities.

The club’s media director, Maher Gharib, stressed that Zamalek would continue to defend their interests while insisting that their complaint should not be interpreted as an attack on the integrity of Egyptian football.

“Zamalek’s position towards refereeing has not changed, and we do not doubt the integrity of the refereeing or the integrity of the football system in Egypt. Zamalek is a great club and a national club and knows the role it plays, but it is my right to stop and ask for an explanation of what happened on the field,” he said.

Gharib also emphasised that the club expects the Egyptian FA to respond to its concerns, warning that Zamalek would consider further steps if no satisfactory response is received.

“We will not remain silent if we do not receive a response to the complaint. Zamalek is a big club and knows how to defend its rights, and we do not ask anyone to be favoured,” he added.

The Zamalek official further insisted that the club would not be intimidated, maintaining that its complaint had been directed to the appropriate football authorities.

“Zamalek’s complaint is clear to the Football Association and to Hani Abu Rida. We are Zamalek and we are not afraid of anyone. I am Zamalek and I only address the big institutions,” Gharib stated.

The defeat to Al Ahly leaves Zamalek third in the Egyptian Premier League standings with 13 points after six matches, having recorded four wins and one draw before Sunday’s setback.

The Cairo giants will now turn their attention to continental action, with a trip to Rwanda to face Army in the first leg of their CAF Champions League round-of-32 tie scheduled for Friday, October 16.