The Egyptian federation responds to Zamalek’s request

The Board of Directors of the Egyptian Football Association has approved Zamalek’s request to appoint a foreign refereeing team to officiate their upcoming match against Ceramica Cleopatra in the seventh round of the Egyptian Premier League Group One Finals, which will be played on May 20 at the Cairo International Stadium.

The federation confirmed in an official statement that the referees’ committee, headed by Colombian Oscar Ruiz, has already begun to take the necessary steps to coordinate with a number of European and Arab federations to bring in an international refereeing team to officiate the match, in accordance with the organization’s regulations, which allow clubs to request foreign referees in sensitive matches in return for financial expenses.

The federation’s decision comes in response to Zamalek’s insistence on ensuring the highest level of arbitration justice during the clash, which is considered to be one of the most hotly contested battles for the league title this season, given the closeness of points between the top teams and the intensification of the battle for the top spot.

Zamalek lead the league standings with 53 points, followed by Pyramids with 51 points, while Al-Ahly are third with 50 points, while Ceramica Cleopatra are fourth in the crowning group with 44 points.

Zamalek need just one point to officially clinch the title, as a draw against Keramika is enough, regardless of their opponents’ results, which is the closest they have come to the crown this season.

Deadlines for the seventh round of the title decider saw forced changes as they were moved from May 15 to May 20 to make way for Zamalek to qualify for the Africa Confederation Cup final.

The Football Association is expected to announce the identity of the foreign referee team that will officiate the match in the coming days, after completing formal correspondence with the respective federations and confirming the names by the Referee Committee.