Essam Abdel Fattah, chairman of the Referees Committee, confirmed that the upcoming Al Ahly-Zamalek derby in the Egyptian Premier League is expected to be assigned to a foreign refereeing team, amid the current difficulties surrounding the use of Egyptian officials.
Abdel Fattah explained that the atmosphere surrounding Egyptian refereeing, including recent accusations, criticism and controversy, makes assigning a match as sensitive as the derby to Egyptian referees extremely difficult, despite his desire to see local officials take charge of the biggest matches in the league. ⚽🔥
The Derby Expected to Have Foreign Referees
Essam Abdel Fattah said during comments to journalist Karim Ramzy on Mega FM Radio that he hopes the Al Ahly-Zamalek derby can eventually be handled by Egyptian referees, but believes the current circumstances do not allow for it.
He explained that the level of pressure and accusations directed at referees in recent weeks makes assigning the derby to an Egyptian team a high-risk decision, which is why the Football Association and Referees Committee are moving toward appointing foreign officials.
The Al Ahly-Zamalek clash is one of the most sensitive fixtures of the season because of the enormous public and media attention surrounding it, making the choice of refereeing team a major issue ahead of the match. 🏆
Major Pressure on Egyptian Referees
Abdel Fattah spoke about the pressure referees have faced recently, pointing to the psychological impact on several members of the refereeing system.
He explained that some referees have suffered psychologically during the recent period as a result of constant criticism and the controversy surrounding refereeing decisions in league matches.
He stressed that the situation within Egyptian refereeing has become difficult, while noting that he accepted the responsibility despite the challenging circumstances because he considers himself ready to face the problems and work toward improving the system.
Problems Affecting Some Referees’ Careers
The Referees Committee chairman revealed that several problems could affect the careers of some officials, particularly referees in the lower divisions who may face difficulties regarding promotion or continued involvement.
He stressed that these circumstances require intervention to protect the future of referees, especially young officials who need support and development rather than pressure that could negatively affect their careers.
The comments come as the Referees Committee seeks to reorganize the refereeing system and create better working conditions for officials. 📢
New Faces to Appear in the Premier League
Essam Abdel Fattah announced that the coming period will see new refereeing faces in the Egyptian Premier League, with plans to promote young officials to the top division.
The move forms part of the committee’s plan to expand the referee pool and provide opportunities for younger officials while developing a new generation capable of handling major matches in the future.
Abdel Fattah believes refreshing the refereeing system can help improve standards and increase competition among officials for opportunities.
Opening a New Page With the Clubs
The Referees Committee chairman stressed the desire to open a new page with all Egyptian clubs during the coming period and build a more stable and cooperative relationship between referees, coaching staffs and club administrations.
He confirmed that improving refereeing does not depend solely on officials on the pitch but requires cooperation from all parts of the football community, including clubs, media and supporters.
The aim is to reduce tension surrounding refereeing and create an environment that allows officials to make decisions with greater calm and concentration. ⭐
Project to Develop Egyptian Referees
Abdel Fattah also revealed that a project has been presented to develop Egyptian referees and improve their standards during the coming period.
The project focuses on technical, physical and educational development, alongside identifying new talents who could eventually officiate league matches and other competitions.
The initiative is part of an effort to rebuild confidence in Egyptian referees and improve their capabilities, allowing them to return to major fixtures when the circumstances become more suitable.
Why Are Foreign Referees Needed for the Derby?
According to Abdel Fattah, the decision to use foreign officials is linked to the extraordinary sensitivity surrounding the Al Ahly-Zamalek derby, particularly given the enormous pressure currently facing Egyptian referees.
Any decision made during the derby could quickly become a major talking point, increasing the pressure on local officials and making the assignment even more difficult.
For this reason, the Referees Committee believes that foreign referees may be the most suitable option at the current stage, while efforts continue to improve the environment surrounding Egyptian refereeing.
Ambition to Return Egyptian Referees to the Biggest Matches
Despite confirming that it is currently difficult to appoint Egyptian referees for the derby, Abdel Fattah stressed that he hopes to reach a stage where local officials can once again handle major matches.
Achieving that goal requires continuous development, referee support, proper evaluation of mistakes and reducing pressures that could affect officials’ performances and confidence.
The emergence of new referees and their promotion to the Premier League could also help create a strong pool capable of handling the biggest fixtures in the future.
Al Ahly and Zamalek Await the Refereeing Decision
With Essam Abdel Fattah confirming that the derby is expected to be handled by foreign officials, attention now turns to the identity of the refereeing team and when the appointment will be officially announced.
The match will remain one of the biggest fixtures of the season, not only because of the rivalry between Al Ahly and Zamalek but also because of the intense scrutiny surrounding every refereeing decision.
✨ Essam Abdel Fattah’s comments reveal a new phase for the Referees Committee, with foreign officials expected to handle the derby for now while a wider project is being developed to improve Egyptian refereeing and introduce a new generation of officials.
📢 Do you support having foreign referees officiate the Al Ahly-Zamalek derby under the current circumstances? Or should Egyptian referees be given the opportunity to manage the biggest match? Share your opinion in the comments. ⚽🔥
