Ashraf Sobhy rules out running for Zamalek presidency

Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt’s former Minister of Youth and Sports, has confirmed that he will not stand for election as president of Zamalek.

Sobhy, who previously served as a member of Zamalek’s board, addressed reports linking him with a possible candidacy in a statement posted on his Facebook account.

“I greatly appreciate, with all due respect, what has been said about nominating me for the presidency of Zamalek, and I sincerely thank everyone who believes I am qualified to take on this major responsibility,” he wrote.

Sobhy said his career had covered a wide range of sporting and administrative roles. He began as a player and coach before becoming head of the karate organisation and later leading Zamalek’s marketing and investment sector.

He also served for one year as a member of the appointed board of the Egyptian Football Association, followed by two years as head of a sector at the Cairo Stadium Authority.

Sobhy then spent two years as assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports before becoming minister himself, a position he held for eight years.

“Although I am proud of this career, and hold Zamalek and its distinguished history in the highest regard, while fully respecting all Egyptian sporting institutions, I once again confirm what I announced during my time at the ministry: I do not intend to stand for any elected sporting position,” he added.

Sobhy said he was currently concentrating on his academic work as a professor of sports management. He is also serving as an adviser to the president of the British University in Egypt, with responsibility for developing sports education.

“I believe in the importance of science and education in building the future of Egyptian sport,” he said, before concluding: “My sincere respect and appreciation to everyone.”

Hussein Labib is currently president of Zamalek.

The club’s elections are expected to take place in October 2027.