Former international referee Mohamed Adel has opened several controversial files within Egyptian refereeing, revealing details surrounding his retirement and directing strong criticism toward the period when Oscar was responsible for the refereeing committee, while expressing confidence in Essam Abdel-Fattah’s ability to lead the committee during the next phase. ⚽
Adel’s comments have once again brought attention to the Egyptian refereeing system, particularly issues surrounding the retirement age of referees, the use of foreign experts, the relationship between the refereeing committee and the Egyptian Football Association, and the ability of officials to provide referees with the necessary support and protection during major matches.
🔥 Mohamed Adel: I Was Forced to Retire
Mohamed Adel confirmed that he was forced to retire from refereeing during Oscar’s time in charge of the refereeing committee, explaining that the decision was connected to reaching the age of 45, which he considered inconsistent with the regulations established by FIFA.
The former international referee explained that he does not oppose giving opportunities to a new generation of referees, but believes that developing younger officials should not come at the expense of experienced referees who remain capable of continuing their careers.
He also indicated that he believed he was capable of continuing, stressing that he could have participated in the most recent Africa Cup of Nations and potentially competed for a place at the World Cup as a video assistant referee.
⭐ The Derby.. The Biggest Test for Egyptian Referees
Mohamed Adel also discussed the importance of the Al Ahly-Zamalek derby in the career of any Egyptian referee, describing these matches as a major opportunity to demonstrate ability and reach the highest levels of refereeing.
He emphasized that referees need a strong committee capable of providing support and confidence before important matches, while pointing out that Essam Abdel-Fattah possesses a strong personality that can help him protect and support referees during the coming period.
Adel believes the success of an Egyptian referee does not depend solely on his performance on the pitch, but is also connected to the strength of the system around him and its ability to deal with the pressure and criticism that accompany refereeing decisions.
📢 Strong Criticism of Oscar’s Tenure
Mohamed Adel directed direct criticism toward Oscar’s period in charge of the refereeing committee, claiming that this phase set Egyptian refereeing back because referees were following the official’s personal view instead of properly applying the laws of the game, according to his assessment.
His comments come amid continued debate over the best way to manage Egyptian refereeing and whether relying on foreign experts can truly deliver the required development, or whether experienced Egyptian figures should be given greater opportunities to manage the system themselves.
⚽ What Did He Say About Mark Clattenburg?
Mohamed Adel also discussed the experience of former English referee Mark Clattenburg, explaining that the criticism directed at him was, in his view, partly linked to the failure to clearly explain the nature of his agreement from the beginning.
He stated that the agreement involved working on a part-time basis for several days each week because Clattenburg was also committed to another role as a refereeing consultant in Greece.
Adel believes the experience could have achieved greater success, particularly because Clattenburg possessed a strong and decisive personality and, in his assessment, had the ability to treat referees fairly when evaluating their performances.
🏆 The Refereeing Committee Needs Protection
The former international referee stressed that the strength of the refereeing committee and its chairman is a fundamental factor in the success of Egyptian referees.
He also emphasized that a strong football association can provide referees with the necessary protection from campaigns and pressure, particularly those generated through social media.
Adel called for an end to the reliance on foreign experts to manage the refereeing system, arguing that experienced Egyptian figures should be given a genuine opportunity to take responsibility and develop local referees.
🔴 Mohamed Adel Declares His Readiness
At the end of his comments, Mohamed Adel confirmed that he possesses the qualifications and experience required to take responsibility for Egyptian refereeing in the future.
He stressed that he does not want to work as part of a refereeing committee, but instead believes he is qualified to become the chairman of the committee and take responsibility for developing the entire system.
His comments open the door to a new discussion about the future of Egyptian refereeing, particularly with the new season approaching and attention turning toward the performance of the refereeing committee and its ability to handle major matches and controversial decisions. ✨
Do you believe the time has come to give experienced Egyptian figures a greater opportunity to manage refereeing? And do you think Essam Abdel-Fattah can successfully lead the committee and protect Egyptian referees? Share your opinion. 🏆🔥
