Ismaily SC have issued an official statement rejecting their relegation from the Egyptian Premier League and insisting they should remain in the country’s top division.
The announcement came days after the club’s relegation was mathematically confirmed following a 2-1 defeat to Wadi Degla SC in the 10th round of the relegation play-offs.
The result left Ismaily rooted to the bottom of the standings with 19 points, making survival impossible with only three matches remaining in the campaign.
The club now sits 11 points behind Electricity Club, the side occupying the final safe position, leaving no mathematical path to remain in the division through sporting results alone.
Despite that reality, Ismaily’s leadership has publicly declared its determination to resist relegation.
Club statement rejects relegation outcome
In a statement released on Thursday, the club insisted that efforts were continuing to preserve its place in the Premier League.
The statement said: “The committee is making every effort to ensure the club remains in the Premier League, and we support the fans’ aspirations and their adherence to this right, which is an inherent right for all popular clubs exposed to relegation.”
The club also denied reports suggesting internal disputes or instability, stating: “There is no truth to any rumors or systematic and ongoing campaigns that aim only to destroy this prestigious club.”
Club officials further addressed speculation surrounding investment and ownership matters, insisting the board had not rejected partnership opportunities but wanted guarantees protecting the club’s interests.
According to the statement, any future decisions regarding investment or governance would remain subject to approval by an Extraordinary General Assembly.
“The committee continues its work for the sake of the club and to preserve its assets, hand in hand with all supporters and fans, until a decision is issued to dismiss it or to call for the election of a new board of directors,” the statement added.
It concluded with the words: “And the Ismaily club will remain, God willing, as long as the loyal ones remain.”
Historic relegation after decades in top flight
The relegation marks one of the most significant moments in the club’s modern history.
This is the first time Ismaily have been relegated from the top division in 68 years, with the club last dropping out of the league during the 1957-58 season.
Widely known as “The Darawish”, Ismaily are regarded as one of Egypt’s historic football institutions and remain the third most successful club in Egyptian Premier League history behind Al Ahly SC and Zamalek SC.
The club has won the league title three times and has traditionally occupied a prominent place in Egyptian football culture.
However, their performances this season failed to match that legacy.
Ismaily collected only 11 points during the first phase of the campaign and added just eight more in the second stage, leading to a prolonged battle against relegation that ultimately ended unsuccessfully.
Questions emerge over possible cancellation of relegation
The situation has also revived discussion over whether relegation could once again be cancelled in the Egyptian league.
Last season, Ismaily were among the clubs facing relegation before the Egyptian League Association decided to suspend relegation, allowing the club to remain in the top flight for another year.
That decision provided Ismaily with a second opportunity to rebuild, but the club once again struggled throughout the following campaign and failed to escape the relegation zone.
The latest statement has therefore fuelled speculation over whether another exceptional administrative decision could be considered.
For now, however, Ismaily’s relegation remains official, even as the club continues to publicly oppose the outcome and seek ways to preserve its place among Egypt’s elite clubs.
