Pyramids FC’s legal advisor, Yahya Shahin, has brought fresh controversy to light surrounding the high-stakes Egyptian League clash between Al Ahly and Zamalek.
Shahin revealed that Al Ahly never submitted an official request for foreign referees, a move required by league regulations, calling it “the first surprise.”
While the rules permit organisers to accept or deny such requests, the absence of an official letter casts doubt on Al Ahly’s stance. Shahin firmly argued that invoking Article 63 of the league’s regulations, which deals with force majeure or emergency cases, is unjustified in this context.
He referred to Article 17, which clearly outlines that failure to appear for a scheduled match results in a 0-3 loss, a three-point deduction, and full financial penalties. Shahin criticised the league’s choice to cancel the point deduction, citing a violation of FIFA rules if decisions are deemed immune to legal challenge.
Questioning the reversal, he stated that the grievance committee should have dismissed the force majeure argument, and reaffirmed that Al Ahly’s conduct requires full enforcement of the penalties.
