The board of directors of Al Ahly Sporting Club made a historic visit to the headquarters of Zamalek Club in Mokattam earlier today, Monday, reaffirming the strong bond between Egypt’s sporting giants.
The visit was marked by several positive gestures that underscored the deep-seated respect and camaraderie between the two prestigious clubs.
Honoring Amr Farouk: The Zamalek board of directors honored a moment of silence in tribute to the late Amr Farouk, the departed vice-president of Al Ahly, showcasing a profound mark of respect.
In a gracious move, Zamalek’s board also reserved a seat for Amr Farouk beside Captain Mahmoud El Khatib, and adorned it with a bouquet in his memory.
Exchange of Tokens of Esteem: Mahmoud El Khatib, President of Al Ahly, presented Zamalek’s President, Hussein Labib, with a shield and the club’s emblem at the onset of the visit, emphasizing the strong and enduring relationship between the two clubs.
In turn, Hussein Labib reciprocated by presenting Mahmoud El Khatib with a commemorative shield bearing the name of the late Amr Farouk, the departed vice-president of Al Ahly, in a touching gesture from Zamalek’s board.
Invitation Extended: Mahmoud El Khatib extended an invitation to the board of directors of Zamalek to visit Al Ahly soon, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended during the visit, affirming that the relationship between Al Ahly and Zamalek is historical, robust, and grounded in mutual respect, remaining steadfast and unshaken.
Captain El Khatib emphasized that the relationship between Al Ahly and Zamalek is distinguished, spanning over a century since the inception of both clubs, representing the cornerstone of Egyptian sports.
In response, Captain Hussein Labib, President of Zamalek’s board, welcomed the board of Al Ahly and Mahmoud El Khatib, President of the Red Castle, expressing profound appreciation for El Khatib’s gracious invitation, affirming that it reflects the strong ties between the two clubs.
Absence of Al Ahly Members: Mohamed Shoukry and Mohannad Magdy, members of Al Ahly’s board of directors, were absent from the visit to Zamalek, sparking discussions on social media.
It was learned that their absence was due to their travel outside Egypt on official business.
A Reconciliation After 15 Years: This visit comes approximately 15 years after the last appearance of Al Ahly’s board at Mokattam, specifically on Sunday, June 14, 2009, when Hassan Hamdi, then-president of Al Ahly, visited Zamalek to congratulate Mahmoud Abbas and the new board of directors on their election victory, in a gesture lauded by Egyptian and Arab media at the time.
Words from Mahmoud El Khatib: On the sidelines of his visit to Zamalek, Mahmoud El Khatib expressed gratitude to Zamalek’s board under the leadership of Captain Hussein Labib for their gracious invitation to visit their club.
He also expressed his happiness with the warm reception and hospitality, noting that the visit was postponed due to the circumstances surrounding the club and the passing of Minister Amr Farouk.
Mahmoud El Khatib said, “I invite the fans of Al Ahly and Zamalek, as well as all clubs, to reject fanaticism and let the competition remain on the field only, prioritizing Egypt’s interests above all because our country at this time needs everyone’s solidarity.”
He added, “I hope that the fans of Al Ahly and Zamalek will consider the historical relationship between the two clubs and reject fanaticism and hatred.”
Words from Hussein Labib: Hussein Labib, President of Zamalek’s board, welcomed the board of directors of Al Ahly and Captain Mahmoud El Khatib, President of the Red Castle, affirming that the visit of Al Ahly’s board to the White Castle upholds the principles of true sportsmanship and fosters a spirit of sportsmanship without bias.
He added, “There was a period of conflict, but Zamalek Club establishes fair competition with Al Ahly, and we hope it continues to be so.
We refuse any incitement and leave the cheering to the fans with calm and decency because sports is about ethics.”
He concluded, “I welcome all those present from the officials of Al Ahly, and we missed the presence of Amr Farouk, the vice-president of Al Ahly.”
