An imam from Egypt’s Ministry of Religious Endowments has been referred for an urgent investigation after appearing in a viral video mocking Al Ahly for missing out on next season’s CAF Champions League, triggering a wave of controversy across Egyptian football.
Footage widely shared on social media showed the imam, dressed in traditional Al-Azhar clerical attire, standing at the entrance gate of Zamalek and ridiculing Al Ahly, the club’s historic rival, over its failure to qualify for Africa’s premier club competition.
The clip provoked anger among many users on social platforms, who argued that the tone and content of his remarks were inappropriate for someone wearing the distinguished Al-Azhar garb and holding a religious position.
Ministry announces urgent probe
In response, the Ministry of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) issued an official statement on its verified Facebook page confirming that it had opened an immediate investigation into the incident.
The ministry said it would “take the appropriate measures” to protect its public image, uphold the standing of the imam’s role and safeguard the dignity of the Al-Azhar uniform.
It stressed that the imam had spoken on a subject that was not related to religious preaching and had done so in a manner that involved mockery, prompting the move to examine his conduct.
The ministry did not disclose the imam’s identity, nor did it specify what disciplinary action he might face, but indicated that the process would seek to ensure that religious representatives refrain from behaviour that could undermine the neutrality and respect associated with their position.
Video fuels club rivalry debate
The incident has added fresh fuel to the already intense rivalry between Zamalek and Al Ahly, Egypt’s two most popular clubs, whose competition regularly spills over from the pitch to social media and public life.
The choice of location in the video – outside the gates of Zamalek – and the imam’s evident delight at Al Ahly’s situation were seized upon by supporters and commentators as an example of how football rivalries can intersect with other sectors of society, including religious institutions.
Many online comments focused less on the football aspect and more on the principle of a state-appointed imam appearing to take sides in a sporting rivalry while in full religious dress.
Al Ahly in Confederation Cup, Zamalek in Champions League
On the sporting side, the controversy stems from Al Ahly’s failure to secure a Champions League spot for the upcoming season, a rare setback for Africa’s most decorated club.
Al Ahly finished third in last season’s Egyptian Premier League, qualifying instead for the CAF Confederation Cup, the continent’s secondary club competition.
By contrast, Zamalek and Pyramids claimed the top two positions in the domestic league and booked their places in the CAF Champions League.
The unusual sight of Al Ahly outside Africa’s top-tier tournament has been a talking point within Egyptian football, and it was this scenario that the imam seized upon in the video that has now placed him under official scrutiny.
