Cairo Derby: How refereeing drama pushed Al Ahly and Zamalek to the brink

On Tuesday night, Egyptian football fans were left stunned as the highly anticipated Cairo Derby between Zamalek and Ahly was officially called off. 

The match, was postponed after Ahly refused to participate in protest over refereeing decisions, escalating tensions between the club and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

The controversy leading to the cancellation had been brewing for days, primarily revolving around Ahly’s demand for foreign referees.  

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Red Eagles had repeatedly expressed concerns over what it described as biased officiating in previous league matches. 

Citing errors that they believed had unfairly impacted their campaign, Ahly insisted that only international referees could ensure a fair contest in the high-stakes derby.

However, despite earlier assurances from the Egyptian Premier League (EPL) that key fixtures in the final stages of the season would be officiated by foreign referees, the EFA announced a local officiating crew for the derby. 

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This last-minute decision, made on Monday night, further inflamed the situation. Ahly, feeling their requests had been ignored, issued an ultimatum: either foreign referees were appointed, or they would not play.

The EFA defended its decision, citing logistical challenges in securing international officials within a short time frame. 

According to the governing body, the match schedule had been finalized on March 5, making it difficult to arrange for foreign referees in time. 

However, Ahly viewed this explanation as inadequate, arguing that prior commitments had been made regarding officiating standards for key matches.

As the dispute escalated, Ahly stuck to their stance and did not show up at the stadium for the 9:30 p.m. kickoff. In line with league regulations, referee Mahmoud Bassiouny waited for the required 15 minutes before officially calling off the match.

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Zamalek, in contrast, had no objections to the officiating crew and were ready to play. Their presence at the stadium highlighted the severity of Ahly’s protest, making it clear that the cancellation was a direct result of one team’s refusal to participate rather than a mutual decision.

The timing of the controversy was particularly significant given the tight race for the Egyptian Premier League title.

Ahly, the defending champions, are locked in a fierce battle with league leaders Pyramids FC, who currently hold a three-point advantage.

 Zamalek, sitting in third place, also remain in contention for the championship. With so much at stake, Ahly viewed the appointment of referees as a crucial factor in ensuring a fair title race.

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The repercussions of Ahly’s decision to boycott the match could be severe. According to EPL regulations introduced this season, a team that withdraws from a scheduled match is deemed to have forfeited and will have three points deducted. 

Additionally, if a team refuses to continue participating in the league, it faces automatic relegation to a lower division, along with a two-season ban from the top flight and heavy financial penalties.

Despite the dramatic events of Tuesday night, the bigger question now is what happens next. 

Will Ahly continue in the league after this high-profile standoff? Will the EFA reconsider its approach to refereeing assignments for major fixtures? 

The coming days will be crucial in determining the future of both Ahly’s campaign and the broader governance of Egyptian football.