Al-Ahly Sporting Club, one of Egypt’s most prominent football institutions, has officially requested that a foreign arbitration expert be appointed to head the Egyptian Premier League’s Referees’ Committee.
The club, led by president Mahmoud Al-Khatib, believes this move would enhance the quality and impartiality of officiating in the league.
In a statement, Al-Ahly revealed that the proposal for foreign oversight in refereeing was initially presented during a meeting with other clubs on September 18, just before the current season kicked off.
The club expressed that creating the right environment for an expert to succeed in this role is essential to ensure fair play and maintain balance among competing teams.
The call for a foreign official follows concerns over inconsistencies in officiating during the league’s opening rounds.
These concerns have been further heightened as the Referees’ Committee is currently led by Mohamed Farouk on an interim basis after the contract of Portuguese official Vitor Pereira expired.
Al-Ahly’s latest appeal for external leadership reflects a broader sentiment across Egyptian football, where officiating has been a frequent source of controversy.
Questionable calls have often sparked criticism from players, coaches, and media, with many arguing that some local referees lack the necessary expertise to handle high-stakes matches fairly.
Al-Ahly emphasized the importance of bringing in a referee chief with an unbiased perspective and extensive international experience to address these concerns.
As the league continues, Al-Ahly is set to face Ceramica on Sunday night, followed by a high-profile matchup against Zamalek on Thursday.
The club hopes that a swift response to their request will bring stability and restore confidence in league officiating, helping to reduce disputes over refereeing that have marred matches in recent seasons.
