The Egyptian Football Association has rejected claims that Zamalek SC formally asked for foreign referees to officiate their upcoming league match, amid growing speculation online.
Reports circulating in recent days had suggested that Zamalek had submitted a request for non-Egyptian officials to oversee their fixture against Ceramica Cleopatra FC. However, an official speaking to local media has firmly denied that any such approach was made through the proper channels.
“So far, the Football Association has not received any letter from Zamalek Club to bring in foreign referees for the match against Ceramica,” the source said.
The clarification comes as debate intensifies over refereeing standards in the Egyptian Premier League, with social media amplifying unverified claims surrounding the high-profile fixture.
According to the FA official, there is no record of communication from Zamalek regarding the appointment of foreign officials, raising doubts about the credibility of the reports.
“We do not know the validity of Zamalek’s request for a foreign refereeing team against Ceramica, and there is no letter indicating this,” he added.
The governing body also stressed that the narrative appears to have originated online rather than through official club statements or correspondence.
“Zamalek has not issued any official statement indicating that it has requested foreign referees, and the news is only circulating on social media,” he concluded.
The fixture, scheduled for 20 May, is expected to attract significant attention as it marks Zamalek’s final match of the current league campaign. With the club aiming to end the season on a positive note, scrutiny around match officiating has added an extra layer of focus in the build-up.
While the FA’s statement appears to settle the question of whether a formal request was made, it also highlights the growing influence of online speculation in shaping football narratives. In recent years, social media platforms have increasingly played a role in spreading transfer rumours, officiating debates and administrative claims—often before they are verified by official sources.
For Zamalek, the situation underscores the importance of clarity in communication during a critical stage of the season. With no official move made regarding referees, attention is likely to return to on-field matters as preparations continue for the encounter.
The Egyptian FA, meanwhile, is expected to proceed with standard procedures in appointing match officials, as it seeks to maintain consistency and transparency in the league’s final stages.
As the countdown to the match continues, the focus will remain on whether Zamalek can deliver a strong performance to close out their campaign—while the controversy over referees appears, for now, to have been firmly put to rest.
