Sanctions loom for Al Ahly and Pyramids FC following tense Egyptian Premier League clash

The dramatic 2-2 draw between Al Ahly and Pyramids FC in the 10th round of the Egyptian Premier League (2024-2025 season) on Sunday has sparked controversy, with both clubs facing potential sanctions for incidents that occurred during the match.

The Egyptian Professional Clubs Association (EPCA) may intervene as the league’s regulatory body reviews the events.

Tension reached a peak in the final moments of the game when a foul on Nejc Gradisar in the 85th minute led to a penalty decision after match referee Mahmoud Al-Banna consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

The penalty decision was met with fierce opposition from Pyramids FC players, and Nigerian winger Siddiq Igola, in particular, was seen making aggressive movements towards the referee.

As a result of his actions, Igola could face disciplinary action, with the EPCA considering a fine of 50,000 Egyptian pounds and a potential four-match suspension.

The final verdict on the severity of the punishment will depend on the details that the referee provides in his official report following the match.

In addition to potential sanctions for individual players, Al Ahly is also at risk of a fine for violating one of the rules governing professional football in Egypt.

The club failed to adhere to the regulation regarding the assignment of jersey numbers after Percy Tau’s departure for Qatar Sports Club.

According to the rules, Tau’s former No. 10 shirt was supposed to be reassigned to a new player at the end of the current season.

However, Al Ahly violated this by giving the No. 10 jersey to their newly signed striker, Nejc Gradisar, despite the rule being clear. As a result, the club may be fined 20,000 Egyptian pounds.

The game itself ended in a tense 2-2 draw, and these incidents have cast a shadow over what was already a heated encounter between two of Egypt’s top clubs.

With disciplinary proceedings now underway, both Al Ahly and Pyramids FC will await the final decisions from the Egyptian Football Association, which could have implications for both their standings and reputation in the league.