Al Ahly is pressing the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to secure a foreign refereeing crew for their upcoming showdown against Pyramids FC, set for April 12th in the Egyptian Premier League playoffs’ second round.
The Cairo giants are determined to ensure a high-stakes match at the Air Defense Stadium is officiated by top-notch officials from Europe’s big five leagues.
“Al-Ahly officials have contacted the EFA to request referees from the elite of the five major leagues,” a club insider told Kooora.
The push comes as Al Ahly digs in its heels, even after Pyramids FC backed off from a similar request for foreign refs.
“EFA officials confirmed that they are not involved in the crisis, as they are performing their duties regardless of any other affiliations,” the insider added.
Al Ahly’s management formally requested the foreign referee crew and offered to cover the costs. Dr. Mostafa Azzam, EFA Executive Director, said: “After presenting the request to Engineer Hany Abou Rida (President of the Association), he approved Al-Ahly’s request, considering that the procedures for bringing in the referees have already begun within the timeframe specified in the regulations at the request of one of the two competing clubs, especially with Al-Ahly FC providing a pledge to bear the costs.”
