Zamalek and Pyramids have been confirmed as Egypt’s representatives in the CAF Champions League for the 2026-27 season, with Al Ahly and ZED allocated places in the CAF Confederation Cup following a meeting of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) board on Saturday.
The board, chaired by EFA president Hani Abou Rida, met to ratify Egypt’s slots in African competitions and to push through a series of major administrative and technical decisions ahead of the 2026-27 domestic campaign.
Under the decisions taken, Zamalek and Pyramids will compete in the Champions League, while Al Ahly and ZED will take part in the Confederation Cup. The EFA did not announce any changes to the qualification criteria, but formally approved the four clubs as Egypt’s continental entrants for next season.
Committee to handle Hossam Hassan renewal
The future of Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan was also addressed, with the EFA creating a dedicated committee to negotiate the terms of a contract extension.
The three-man panel will consist of Khaled El Dardourly, Tarek Abou El Enein and Hamada El Sherbeiny. The committee has been tasked with outlining the conditions and clauses for renewing Hassan’s deal with the senior national team.
Its recommendations will be submitted to Abou Rida, who will then oversee the completion of the renewal process once the proposed terms are agreed.
Hossam Hassan, one of Egypt’s most prominent former strikers, took charge of the national team with a mandate to lead the Pharaohs through upcoming qualification campaigns, and the EFA’s move indicates a clear desire to maintain continuity in the technical leadership.
Essam Abdel-Fattah to lead referees’ committee
In another key appointment, the board approved the naming of Essam Abdel-Fattah as head of the referees’ committee for the 2026-27 season.
Abdel-Fattah, a former international referee, will be responsible for overseeing match officials across Egyptian competitions during the campaign.
The EFA board also decided that the full line-up of the referees’ committee will be presented for formal approval at its next meeting, with the structure of the body to be finalised before the new season begins.
Shawkry Gharib handed technical director role
As part of a broader restructuring of its technical framework, the EFA confirmed the appointment of Shawky Gharib as technical director of the association.
The move is part of a plan to reorganise football-related technical departments within the federation ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Gharib expected to play a central role in shaping technical policies and supporting national teams’ set-ups.
Financial support, broadcasting and prize money approved
The board also endorsed a memorandum from the EFA general secretary concerning financial backing for fan-based, high-attendance clubs, described as “al-andia al-gamahiriya”.
The package includes measures to support these clubs, alongside formal approval of the distribution percentages for television broadcasting rights and prize money for domestic competitions in the 2026-27 season.
These steps are designed to develop the structure of local competitions, improve financial sustainability and provide additional backing to clubs across the country.
New medical regulations for clubs and national teams
In a further move aimed at professionalising the game, the EFA board ratified new medical regulations governing the work of medical staff with clubs and national teams.
The medical statute will come into effect from the start of the 2026-27 season and is intended to standardise medical procedures, enhance player healthcare and raise the efficiency of medical provision in all competitions and national teams.
By establishing clear medical guidelines, the EFA aims to improve player welfare and ensure consistent standards across domestic tournaments and all age levels of the national sides.
Saturday’s meeting brought together a wide-ranging package of sporting, administrative and financial decisions that will shape Egyptian football’s approach both domestically and on the continental stage in the 2026-27 season.
