Al Ahly SC officials have moved to explain the circumstances surrounding a television appearance by Ahmed Mostafa Zizo after the interview sparked widespread surprise and criticism among supporters frustrated by the club’s disappointing season.
The controversy emerged after promotional material for a televised interview featuring Zizo was circulated shortly after Al Ahly failed to secure the domestic league title and missed qualification for next season’s CAF Champions League.
The Egyptian club finished third in the final standings of the local competition, ending a long run of appearances in Africa’s premier club tournament and triggering anger among fans already disappointed by the team’s failure to win major honours this season.
According to a source within Al Ahly who spoke to WinWin, the player’s appearance on the programme had been fully approved by club officials and was arranged before the team’s final league position had been confirmed.
The source explained that filming for the interview took place before Al Ahly’s final league fixture against Al Masry SC, at a time when the outcome of the title race and qualification places had not yet been decided.
Club officials reportedly viewed the television appearance as part of existing commercial and promotional obligations rather than an activity linked to the team’s performances on the pitch.
The source said: “Zizo appeared on television based on a prior arrangement with Al-Ahly Football Company, based on advertising and media contracts signed earlier.”
The explanation was intended to calm criticism from supporters who questioned the timing of the interview amid growing frustration over the club’s recent results.
The source also praised the professionalism of the player, insisting that the recordings had no negative effect on preparations or performances during the campaign.
He added: “ Ahmed Zizo is a very professional and committed player, and recording the two episodes was not an obstacle at any time or in any way on the field, but it is a commitment related to some contracts concluded with one of the sponsoring companies, which, by the way, came very close to becoming one of the club’s sponsors as well in the new contract.”
Al Ahly’s management is understood to be aware of the anger among supporters following the club’s failure to retain the league title and its absence from the next edition of the CAF Champions League.
According to the source, senior officials appreciate the level of disappointment among fans and are already working on measures aimed at rebuilding the team and restoring the club’s competitive standing.
The source indicated that several decisions and organisational steps are currently being prepared and are expected to be announced at a later stage as part of plans to return the “Red Team” to winning ways.
The season’s end has also brought a temporary pause to first-team activities. The technical staff has granted players a break following the conclusion of the campaign, although no official date has yet been set for the squad’s return to collective training.
The situation surrounding Zizo’s media appearance has highlighted the pressure currently facing Al Ahly, with supporters demanding swift changes after one of the club’s most difficult domestic seasons in recent years.
