Tensions between Egyptian football rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek have intensified after media figure and former goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir claimed the Red Devils are preparing legal action aimed at blocking Zamalek from competing in next season’s CAF Champions League.
Speaking on the “Al-Nazer” programme on Egyptian channel Al-Nahar, Shobeir said Al Ahly were assembling a legal dossier focused on Zamalek’s financial position, international disputes and outstanding debts.
According to Shobeir, the move is linked to concerns surrounding the granting of the African participation licence required for clubs to compete in continental competitions.
He said: “Al-Ahly is preparing a legal file on Zamalek’s position, its international cases and debts to use in the event that the club obtains the African participation license illegally.”
The latest development adds another chapter to the fierce rivalry between the Cairo giants, with debate now shifting from matters on the pitch to administrative and legal issues.
Shobeir also questioned whether the Egyptian Football Association would be able to approve Zamalek’s licence unless all pending matters are formally resolved.
The former Al Ahly goalkeeper added: “The Football Association will not be able to grant Zamalek the license until all cases are resolved and with official documents, and Al-Ahly is preparing a complete file on Zamalek’s position and is determined that things proceed in an official manner.”
The controversy comes only days after Zamalek secured the Egyptian Premier League title for the 15th time in the club’s history.
The White Knights clinched the championship following a 1-0 victory over Ceramica Cleopatra at Cairo International Stadium in the final round of the competition. It marked Zamalek’s first league triumph since 2022.
Despite their success on the field, the club endured a turbulent financial campaign throughout the season. Zamalek were hit with 17 transfer bans, a situation that raised wider concerns over the club’s compliance with licensing regulations tied to African competitions.
Questions have therefore emerged regarding whether the club can fully satisfy the administrative and financial conditions required by the Confederation of African Football before the start of next season’s tournaments.
As things stand, Zamalek and Pyramids FC are due to represent Egypt in the CAF Champions League during the 2026-27 campaign.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly are set to participate in the CAF Confederation Cup, an unusual situation for the club given its history of regular appearances in Africa’s premier club competition.
The growing dispute threatens to further inflame relations between the country’s two most successful clubs, with attention now turning to whether any formal complaint or legal submission will be made in the coming weeks.
For now, the focus remains on whether Zamalek can provide the required documentation and resolve any outstanding cases in time to secure their place on the continental stage.
