Former Egyptian football star and sports broadcaster أحمد شوبير revealed details of an incident that has sparked controversy within the referees committee of the Egyptian Football Association.
Shobier discussed an alleged assault involving three referees and Saad Ghazi, the fitness coach responsible for the referees’ physical preparation, during the training camp held ahead of the new football season.
According to Shobier, the incident occurred during physical tests being conducted as part of the referees’ preparations for the upcoming season.
Details of the Referees’ Dispute With the Fitness Coach
Speaking during a radio program, Ahmed Shobier explained that Essam Abdel-Fattah had previously served as head of the referees committee in Syria, where he worked alongside Mohamed Abu Khater, who was responsible for physical fitness.
Shobier said Abu Khater remains in Syria and is expected to return in approximately three months. Saad Ghazi temporarily took over the physical preparation duties during his absence.
According to Shobier, one of the female officials supervising the tests reported that referees Ahmed Gamal Bibo, Mohamed Zidan and Mostafa Abdel Rahim had not entered the test at the required time.
The situation reportedly angered the three referees, who went to Saad Ghazi to strongly object to the decision. Shobier claimed that the confrontation escalated and that one of the referees assaulted the fitness coach.
Shobier: Essam Abdel-Fattah Is Extremely Angry
Shobier said Essam Abdel-Fattah is seeking to impose severe disciplinary measures against the referees involved in the incident.
He added that Abdel-Fattah was extremely angry and had threatened to remove the referees from officiating altogether, although Shobier expected that the final punishment would likely fall short of dismissal.
The incident comes as Egyptian referees undergo intensive preparations and testing ahead of the start of the new football season.
75% of Referees Reportedly Failed the Law Tests
Ahmed Shobier also revealed another major development concerning the referees’ preparation camp.
According to Shobier, 75% of the referees failed the football law tests, describing the result as a major crisis for the referees committee.
He said the disappointing results had caused significant frustration for Essam Abdel-Fattah, particularly because the law tests are an essential part of preparing referees for the new season.
The tests are designed to assess referees’ understanding of football regulations and ensure that they are prepared to officiate matches in accordance with the applicable laws.
Ahmed Shobier Discusses Juan Bezerra’s Situation With Zamalek
In another part of his comments, Ahmed Shobier discussed Brazilian player Juan Bezerra and his situation with Zamalek.
Shobier said Zamalek had managed to establish contact with the player and his father, while there had also been communication between Zamalek captain Omar Gaber and Bezerra.
He added that, according to his information, Zamalek believes its legal position is strong and has asked the player to come and negotiate before finalizing the next steps.
Shobier also indicated that Zamalek could potentially improve the player’s contract or salary as negotiations continue.
Refereeing Crisis and Bezerra Talks Dominate Shobier’s Comments
Ahmed Shobier’s latest comments focused on two major football developments: the controversy surrounding the referees’ preparation camp and the latest developments in Zamalek’s pursuit of Juan Bezerra.
The expected disciplinary measures against the three referees, along with the results of the investigations into the alleged assault, are likely to remain among the key issues surrounding Egyptian refereeing ahead of the new season.
What happened between the referees and the fitness coach?
According to Ahmed Shobier, three referees confronted Saad Ghazi during the physical tests, and the situation allegedly escalated into an assault by one of them.
Who are the three referees mentioned?
Shobier identified them as Ahmed Gamal Bibo, Mohamed Zidan and Mostafa Abdel Rahim.
How many referees reportedly failed the law tests?
Ahmed Shobier stated that 75% of the referees failed the football law tests.
What is Essam Abdel-Fattah’s position on the incident?
According to Shobier, Abdel-Fattah is seeking severe disciplinary action against the referees involved and even threatened to remove them from officiating.
What did Shobier say about Juan Bezerra and Zamalek?
Shobier said Zamalek had contacted the player and his father and that the club was continuing negotiations, with the possibility of improving the player’s financial terms.
