egypt’s Sports Minister navigates Football Crisis Amidst High-Profile Engagements

Cairo, March 12, 2025 – Dr. Ashraf Sobhi,Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports,faced a day of diverse activities,highlighted by a significant crisis in Egyptian football: Al-Ahly’s withdrawal from their scheduled summit match against Zamalek due to disagreements over referee selection.

Despite the brewing conflict,Dr. Sobhi’s schedule remained packed, including welcoming the FIFA President to Cairo and overseeing preparations for a large community breakfast.

Welcoming Gianni Infantino: A Protocol-Driven Affair

Dr. Sobhi personally greeted Gianni Infantino, President of the International Football Association (FIFA), upon his arrival at Sphinx Airport. Infantino was in Cairo to attend the fourteenth unusual general assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

the reception ceremony adhered to “the highest protocol standards,” and included Patrice Motsby, President of the African Football Confederation, and Engineer Hani Abu Rida, President of the Egyptian Football Association and member of the FIFA Executive Council.

Sobhi extended a warm welcome, stating, “Sobhi welcomed Bennnino, confirming Egypt’s pride in hosting this crucial sporting event that brings together African and international football leaders.” This underscored Egypt’s commitment to supporting international sports initiatives and fostering collaboration among global football stakeholders.

Supporting Community Engagement: Al-Matareya Iftar Preparations

Beyond international engagements, Dr. Sobhi, along with Dr. Ibrahim Saber, Governor of Cairo, visited the Al-Matareya neighborhood to monitor preparations for the annual “Al-Matareya iftar,” a large community breakfast.

The minister reviewed the arrangements being made by the local youth organizers for the event, anticipating thousands of attendees, from elders to children. This year marks the eleventh iteration of the breakfast, which began in 2013. The initiative aims to create “an annual breakfast table in which all the people participate in self -efforts, to turn into the longest Ramadan table in Egypt.” The event was only paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its importance as a unifying community tradition.

CAF Dinner at the Grand Egyptian Museum

Later in the evening, Dr.Sobhi joined the CAF dinner ceremony held at the Grand Egyptian Museum. The event brought together FIFA President Infantino, Engineer Hani Abu Raida, heads of federations, and members of the CAF Executive Office.

The extraordinary general assembly of CAF, scheduled for Wednesday, includes elections for the presidency of the African Union, members of the Executive Committee, and FIFA representatives.

Summit Match Crisis: Intervention and Attempted Resolution

Amidst these engagements, the major point of contention remained the summit match between Zamalek and Al-Ahly. The match was thrown into chaos following Al-Ahly’s demand for foreign referees, leading to their withdrawal.

Mohamed Al-Shazly, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, stated that Dr. Sobhi intervened “at a contact from the parties to the crisis of the summit match.” He engaged with Saudi officials, who “responded immediatly, and provided a foreign arbitration team, which was already moved from Saudi Arabia on his way to Cairo to manage the summit match, but the crew will arrive late.”

Al-Shazly emphasized that “Dr. Ashraf Sobhi did not hesitate to move quickly to find a solution to the crisis.”

Zamalek was present at the Cairo international Stadium at the scheduled time, along with the Egyptian arbitration team led by mahmoud bassiouni.However, Al-Ahly’s absence resulted in the match being canceled.

Al-Ahly’s board had previously issued a statement requesting the postponement of the match due to the absence of foreign referees, threatening to withdraw from the Premier League if their demands were not met. Zamalek, in contrast, insisted on adhering to the original schedule and arbitration team.

Egypt Football association Contact Information

• Founded: 1921
• Address: 5 Gabalaya Street, Gezira Cairo, Egypt
• Phone: +20 (2) 2735 1793
• fax: +20 (2) 2736 7817
• E-mail: [email protected]

Dr.Sobhi’s day highlights the multifaceted role of the Minister of Youth and Sports, balancing international responsibilities, community engagement, and crisis management within the realm of Egyptian football. As the situation surrounding the Al-Ahly and Zamalek match remains unresolved, further developments are anticipated. For all the latest updates about Egyptian Football, contact the Egyptian Football Association.

What fundamental changes would our viewers suggest?

Dr. Amir Zaki Reflects on a tumultuous Day in Egyptian Sports

Today, Archyde News sits down with Dr. Amir Zaki, former advisor to the Minister of Youth and Sports, to unpack the recent high-stakes events involving Egypt’s football scene and Dr. Ashraf Sobhi’s response. Dr. Zaki brings a wealth of experience and insight into the complexities of Egyptian sports administration.

The al-ahly Zamalek Crisis: A Minister’s Perspective

archyde News: Dr. Zaki, yesterday was a particularly eventful day with the Al-Ahly Zamalek summit match crisis. given your experience, can you shed light on the pressures Dr. Sobhi faced balancing this domestic issue with international obligations like welcoming FIFA President Gianni Infantino?

Dr. Amir Zaki: Absolutely.The situation was incredibly delicate. Dr. Sobhi had to demonstrate leadership on two fronts concurrently. First, managing the public relations aspect of hosting a figure as influential as Gianni Infantino and ensuring Egypt’s commitment to international football governance. Secondly, addressing the very real and passionate conflict between Al-Ahly and Zamalek. For Egyptian football, that derby is everything; any instability there reflects on the entire nation’s sporting image.

Referee Selection Controversies and Rapid Response

Archyde News: Reports suggest the core of the crisis revolved around referee selection and Al-Ahly’s demand for foreign referees. What is the typical protocol in such situations, and was Dr. Sobhi’s intervention, including procuring a foreign arbitration team, a common practice?

Dr. Amir Zaki: Typically, the Egyptian Football association (EFA), whose contact details are available on Archyde News, has the primary responsibility for referee assignments. However, given the match’s importance and potential security risks, ministerial intervention isn’t unprecedented when concerns of bias arise. Dr. Sobhi’s rapid response,coordinating with Saudi officials,was likely aimed at de-escalating tensions and maintaining the integrity of Egyptian football. However, it’s quite possible this set a precedent for demanding foreign referees in future matches, which raises concerns of sustainability.

Community Engagement and National Image

Archyde News: Beyond football, Dr. Sobhi oversaw preparations for the Al-Matareya Iftar, highlighting the importance of community engagement. How dose this commitment to such events contribute to Egypt’s broader objectives under his leadership?

Dr. Amir Zaki: These community engagements are integral to Dr. Sobhi’s philosophy. They showcase the unifying power of sports and culture, especially during Ramadan. The Al-Matareya Iftar,bringing together thousands,demonstrates social solidarity and enhances the government’s connection with the people. Such initiatives contribute towards a positive national image, vital when hosting international figures like Infantino and attracting investment to Egyptian sports and other sectors.

The Future of Egyptian Football Governance: A Thought-Provoking Question

Archyde News: Dr. Zaki, considering these recent events, what key changes do you believe are necessary to avoid similar crises in the future and ensure fair play in egyptian football?

Dr. Amir Zaki: That’s a critical question. We need to foster an surroundings of clarity and trust within the EFA and its relations with the clubs.Perhaps reviewing the referee appointment process and establishing clear, impartial guidelines is essential. Moreover, open dialog between all stakeholders – the ministry, the EFA, clubs, and even fans – is paramount to building confidence and resolving disputes amicably. Egyptian football is a source of immense pride, and a united front is vital to its success. What fundamental changes would our viewers suggest?