⚽ Samir Othman and Mohamed Taha Join Referee Preparation Program
Egyptian refereeing figures Samir Mahmoud Othman and Mohamed Taha are participating in the preparation and development of referees taking part in the North African tournament for national teams, which serves as a qualifier for the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The tournament is being hosted in Ismailia, Egypt, with Othman serving as a lecturer among the members of the North African Referees Committee.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Taha has been assigned to oversee the physical fitness program for the participating referees, making the Egyptian duo part of the technical and physical preparation process during the competition.
Their participation reflects the involvement of Egyptian refereeing personnel in regional development programs, particularly with Egypt hosting the tournament and providing the setting for the referees’ preparations ahead of major continental competitions.
📢 Latest developments in the Al Ahly-Zamalek refereeing file
Separately, sports presenter Ahmed Shobier revealed new developments regarding the foreign referees expected to officiate the highly anticipated Al Ahly-Zamalek league clash.
Shobier said the identity of the foreign refereeing team is expected to be settled well before the match, with October 4 mentioned as the anticipated date for reaching a final decision, approximately one week before the derby.
He added that three football associations have reportedly declined to send refereeing teams because of their existing commitments, with the English Football Association among those unable to provide a team.
🔥 Spain and France reportedly not among the preferred options
Shobier also discussed reports suggesting that the refereeing committee may not favor bringing officials from Spain or France, while Germany could also be excluded from consideration.
The developments come as the Egyptian Football Association continues its efforts to secure a foreign refereeing team for the derby, with the identity of the officials remaining one of the key issues surrounding the highly anticipated fixture.
The final decision is expected to attract significant attention as the match approaches, particularly given the importance of the game and the intense scrutiny usually surrounding the refereeing performance in the derby.
🏆 Al Ahly and Zamalek set for league showdown
Al Ahly are scheduled to face Zamalek on October 11 at 8:00 p.m., as part of the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.
The match is one of the most closely followed fixtures of the domestic season, making the appointment of the refereeing team an important part of the preparations.
While discussions continue over the foreign officials who could take charge of the derby, attention also remains on the North African tournament in Ismailia, where Egyptian refereeing personnel are contributing to the technical and physical preparation of officials ahead of the U-20 continental qualification campaign.
