Zamalek to bring in Slovenian interpreter for Al Ahly referee talks

Zamalek will appoint an accredited Slovenian interpreter to help translate the referee’s conversations from their match against Al Ahly, the club’s media director Maher Ghareeb has said.

Zamalek lost 2-0 to Al Ahly in the sixth round of the Egyptian league, with the club claiming Chico Banza should have been awarded two penalties. Those appeals were also raised by Moataz Gamal after the game.

Speaking to DMC, Ghareeb said Zamalek’s 48-hour deadline for a response from the Egyptian Football Association had not yet expired.

“The 48-hour period given to the Football Association to respond has not ended, because we sent our letter on Wednesday afternoon. That means only Thursday has passed, while Friday and Saturday are the weekly holidays,” he said.

Zamalek have requested access to the conversations involving the video assistant referees from the match. Ghareeb said the club was waiting for the association’s reply before sending a delegation to its headquarters.

“We are waiting for the Football Association’s response so that we can listen to the conversations of the video referees,” he said. “A delegation worthy of Zamalek will go to the Football Association’s headquarters and it will not be turned away.”

Ghareeb added that the language barrier meant the club would need specialist assistance when examining the match audio.

“It is certain that we will need a Slovenian interpreter, so we will coordinate with the Slovenian embassy to arrange an accredited interpreter,” he said.

The Zamalek official also confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Hossam El Zanaty to become the club’s sporting director.

“All the details of the contract with Hossam El Zanaty have been finalised, and he will take up the position of sporting director for two seasons,” Ghareeb said.

El Zanaty will not be working alone, with Zamalek’s board approving a wider team to support him in the role.

“El Zanaty will be accompanied by a complete team, and the management has already approved that,” Ghareeb added.

He also rejected suggestions of tension between El Zanaty and Moataz Gamal, insisting the two men had a strong relationship.

“El Zanaty’s relationship with Moataz Gamal is excellent and there is no problem, contrary to what has been reported. They are very close,” he said.

Ghareeb confirmed that the club had discussed appointing a foreign general coach, but stressed that the proposal had not been imposed on Gamal and that no final decision had been made.

“The appointment of a foreign general coach has been proposed, with Moataz Gamal fully aware of it. It is not being forced on him, but the matter has not yet been decided,” he said.