Zamalek treasurer Hossam El-Mandouh addresses foreign referees debate for Al Ahly derby

Zamalek treasurer Hossam El-Mandouh says he will respond later on whether his club will pay for foreign referees to officiate the Egyptian Premier League derby against Al Ahly.

The Cairo rivals are due to meet on 11 October at Cairo Stadium in the sixth round of the competition, after the international break.

Al Ahly have asked the Football Association to appoint foreign officials for the match, despite being the away side.

El-Mandouh rejected suggestions that Zamalek were opposed to the appointment of overseas referees.

“Who said Zamalek do not want foreign referees for the Al Ahly match? I do not acknowledge what has been said about this matter,” he told ON E.

Asked whether Zamalek would refuse to cover the cost of bringing in foreign officials because they are the home team, El-Mandouh said: “I will answer this matter at a later time.”

The derby will bring together two sides level on 13 points after their opening five matches of the Egyptian Premier League.

Zamalek are second in the table on goal difference, with Al Ahly third on the same number of points. Pyramids lead the standings with a perfect 15 points.