In a dramatic twist ahead of their highly anticipated clash, Al Ahly has officially requested foreign referees for their upcoming match against Pyramids FC, scheduled for April 12, 2025, at the Air Defense Stadium. This decision comes on the heels of Pyramids FC withdrawing their earlier request for foreign officiating, following a controversial ruling by the Egyptian Professional Football Clubs Association regarding point deductions.
Pyramids FC, currently leading the Egyptian Premier League with 43 points, four points ahead of second-placed Al Ahly, initially sought foreign referees to ensure a fair contest. However, the club’s sporting director, Hani Said, announced the cancellation of this request after the association decided not to deduct three points from Al Ahly due to their failure to attend a match against Zamalek in the first round of the title decider phase.
Mostafa Azzam, the Executive Director of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), confirmed that Al Ahly’s request for foreign referees has been approved. Azzam stated, “After Pyramids FC announced the cancellation of their request to bring in foreign referees to officiate their match against Al Ahly, Al Ahly’s request to proceed with the process of bringing in referees, with them bearing the costs, was received via the FA’s email.” He further noted that the necessary procedures were already underway, as Al Ahly committed to covering the expenses associated with hiring the foreign referees.
This decision by Al Ahly has sparked considerable debate within the Egyptian football community, particularly given the backdrop of the league's recent controversies. The decision to not deduct points from Al Ahly has been met with criticism, with Hani Said labeling it a violation of fair competition principles. He expressed concern that such leniency undermines the integrity of the league, stating, “The issue is not about referees but rather about the management of the league itself, the leniency in enforcing rules and regulations, and the inconsistency in applying standards.”
Said emphasized that the decision to overturn the deduction of points from Al Ahly is detrimental to the competitiveness of the league. He pointed out that the penalties for failing to attend matches should be uniformly applied, referencing a similar situation involving Zamalek less than a year ago. “There is no need to bear thousands of dollars in expenses for a foreign refereeing crew if the real issue lies in the governance of the competition itself,” he added.
As the April 12 match approaches, the tension between these two clubs, both of whom have a rich history in Egyptian football, continues to escalate. Al Ahly, often considered the most successful club in Africa, is seeking to reclaim their dominance in the league, while Pyramids FC aims to solidify their position at the top.
The upcoming match is not just about points; it represents a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between Al Ahly and Pyramids FC. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the introduction of foreign referees will impact the game, especially given the charged atmosphere surrounding this particular fixture.
With both teams under immense pressure to perform, the stakes couldn't be higher. Al Ahly’s management is confident that bringing in foreign referees will help ensure a fair and unbiased officiating process, which they believe is crucial for the integrity of the match.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Air Defense Stadium come April 12. Will the presence of foreign referees level the playing field, or will the controversy surrounding the league's governance overshadow the action on the pitch? Football fans around Egypt and beyond are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this pivotal encounter.
In conclusion, the decision by Al Ahly to request foreign referees amidst Pyramids FC’s withdrawal highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies within Egyptian football. With the league's integrity under scrutiny, the upcoming match promises to be a thrilling showdown filled with drama both on and off the field.
