Al Ahly to submit complaint after Cairo Derby forfeit

Al Ahly's board of directors has decided to submit a complaint to the Egyptian Olympic Committee against both the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Egyptian Clubs Association.

This move comes in protest against what Al Ahly described in its statement as a violation of regulations regarding the Cairo derby against Zamalek.

The club opposed the decision to appoint an Egyptian refereeing crew for the match, calling it a clear breach of the regulation of the Clubs Association, the authority which runs the Nile Egyptian League. The regulation previously stated that a foreign refereeing crew would officiate the Cairo derby to ensure fairness for all parties.

Al Ahly had previously decided not to attend the Cairo derby against Zamalek on Tuesday, March 21, in the first round of the Nile Egyptian League championship phase due to the appointment of an Egyptian refereeing crew for the match.

At kickoff time, the Zamalek team as well as the officiating crew and the fans were present at the stadium but Al Ahly didn't show up. The referee waited for approximately 20 minutes before officially calling off the match.

According to the competition’s regulations, Al Ahly forfeited the match and had three additional points deducted from its total.