Ismaily reject merger plan as historic Egyptian club fights to protect identity

Ismaily SC have rejected a proposed merger with another club, insisting that such a move would put the identity and historic licence of the Egyptian giants at risk.

The club’s position was outlined by board member Mohamed Raef during an appearance on Mega FM, where he made clear that Ismaily would not follow the model recently adopted by other Egyptian sides.

“Ismaily are a historic club. Our identity and licence are why we rejected the merger project,” Raef said.

“The project may be acceptable for other clubs, but it is not acceptable for Ismaily.”

The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports introduced the merger model in July as part of efforts to strengthen the financial and professional structures of football clubs.

The initiative has already resulted in agreements involving El Sharkia and ENPPI, as well as Suez SC and Petrojet. The arrangements created sports services companies responsible for managing, operating and investing in the clubs’ football departments.

New model rejected

The agreements effectively combine the identities and supporter bases of traditional clubs with the financial strength and resources of company-owned sides.

El Sharkia ENPPI and Suez Petrojet subsequently entered the new Egyptian Premier League season using their joint identities.

Under the Suez arrangement, Petrojet controls 51% of the joint football company, while Montakhab El Suez owns the remaining 49%. Suez also froze its third-tier licence to enable the new entity to compete in the top flight.

Ismaily, however, have opted for a different route.

Raef said the club will explore investment opportunities linked to Ismaily and Ismailia Stadium rather than surrendering its identity through a merger.

Transfer ban remains a major headache

The board member also provided an update on Ismaily’s long-running transfer ban, revealing that two cases are still outstanding.

The disputes involve Algerian midfielder Mohamed Benkhemassa and Egyptian club Nogoom FC. Raef expressed confidence that both matters can be resolved before the January transfer window, allowing Ismaily to register new players.

He did not disclose the amounts involved or provide details of the proposed settlements.

The transfer restriction has prevented Ismaily from signing players for a fourth consecutive season. In the meantime, the club are relying heavily on their academy while also working to revise first-team contracts and address outstanding debts.

Ismaily face fight back from historic relegation

Ismaily’s rebuilding process comes after a devastating end to their long-standing top-flight status.

The three-time Egyptian champions were relegated in May after a 2-1 defeat to Wadi Degla. It was only the second relegation in the club’s history and their first since the 1957/58 season.

They have since endured a difficult start to their Second Division campaign, losing 3-1 at home to Masar.

Raef acknowledged the concerns surrounding the result but urged supporters not to draw conclusions from a single match.

He said the club remain focused on rebuilding and addressing their financial and administrative challenges while preserving the identity that has made Ismaily one of Egypt’s most historic football institutions.