The Egyptian Football Association has confirmed that a Dutch officiating team will take charge of the high-profile Egyptian Premier League play-off match between Al Ahly and Pyramids FC.
The fixture, part of the second round of the play-off stage, is set to take place on Saturday, April 12, with kick-off scheduled for 5 p.m. GMT.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, April 9, the EFA announced that experienced referee Danny Makkelie will lead the team of officials for what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the season.
Makkelie, 42, is a FIFA-recognized referee with a wealth of experience in international and European competitions.
Assisting Makkelie on the pitch will be fellow countrymen Hessel Stegstra as the first assistant referee and Jan de Vries as the second assistant.
The fourth official duties will be handled by Martin Vos, completing the on-field team for the match.
In the VAR room, the technology will also be under Dutch supervision. Rob Debrinck has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee, with Clay Roberti serving as his assistant.
The decision to appoint a foreign officiating crew for the fixture follows a request made by the clubs involved and approved by the EFA, who are aiming to ensure neutrality and high standards for matches of this magnitude.
The encounter between Al Ahly and Pyramids FC comes at a crucial stage in the play-offs, with both sides eyeing the league title and keen to assert dominance early in the final phase of the competition.
Given the intensity and importance of the fixture, the appointment of an elite European refereeing team reflects the EFA’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the competition.
All eyes will be on Cairo this Saturday as two of Egypt’s footballing heavyweights go head-to-head under the watchful eye of one of Europe’s top refereeing teams.
