Mahmoud Abu Elregal, an Egyptian referee, has outlined crucial improvements necessary for the enhancement of Egypt’s refereeing standards in the forthcoming period.
Speaking in a televised interview, Abu Elregal highlighted deficiencies within Egyptian refereeing, stating, “Sometimes when a referee makes a mistake, they are suspended for a month or two.”
He further elaborated, “Apart from errors, you may see a referee like myself officiate a match and then be suspended for a month or a month and a half before returning to officiating, not because of any mistake, as this also happens to referees who perform well, due to a certain system within the committee.”
Abu Elregal stressed the importance of continuity for referees, especially those representing Egyptian officiating abroad, emphasizing that prolonged absences from officiating could hinder their performance.
Reflecting on Egypt’s successful refereeing performance in the Africa Cup of Nations, he attributed it partly to their participation in the Super Cup tournament in the UAE prior to the continental championship.
Concluding his remarks, Abu Elregal advocated for referees’ involvement in major domestic matches involving powerhouse clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek.
He also emphasized the need for professional training camps and the recruitment of high-level experts to elevate Egyptian refereeing standards.
Abu Elregal’s insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing Egyptian refereeing, underscoring the importance of continuous improvement and strategic planning to enhance the country’s refereeing landscape.