The Egyptian Football Association has confirmed that a foreign refereeing team will officiate the upcoming league match between Zamalek SC and Ceramica Cleopatra FC following an official request from the Cairo club.
In a statement published on the association’s official Facebook page, the Egyptian FA announced that it had approved Zamalek’s application to appoint foreign match officials for the fixture, which forms part of the seventh round of the final stage of the first group in the Egyptian Premier League, commercially known as the Nile League.
The match is scheduled to be played on 20 May at Cairo International Stadium and could prove decisive in determining the destination of the league title.
The announcement comes at a critical stage of the season, with Zamalek leading the standings and needing only a draw to officially secure the championship.
Referees Committee Begins Arrangements
According to the Egyptian FA, the Referees Committee, headed by Colombian official Óscar Ruiz, has already started the process of contacting international federations in order to appoint a foreign officiating crew for the match.
The association stated that the arrangements are being carried out in accordance with the regulations governing the use of foreign referees in Egyptian domestic competitions.
The decision reflects the significance surrounding the fixture, which is expected to attract major attention due to its potential impact on the title race.
Zamalek currently sit at the top of the league table with 53 points, while Ceramica Cleopatra occupy fifth position with 44 points.
Although Ceramica Cleopatra are outside the leading positions, the match is still viewed as highly important because of its direct influence on the championship outcome.
Zamalek Close to League Glory
The Cairo club enter the encounter knowing that avoiding defeat would be enough to officially crown them champions of the 2025-2026 Egyptian Premier League season.
A victory would guarantee the title outright, while even a draw would also secure first place mathematically.
The pressure surrounding the contest has increased interest in the officiating arrangements, particularly given the importance of refereeing decisions in decisive fixtures late in the season.
By requesting foreign referees, Zamalek appear determined to ensure the match is handled by an internationally appointed team amid heightened scrutiny and tension surrounding the title race.
The Egyptian Football Association’s approval of the request has therefore become a major talking point ahead of one of the most important domestic matches of the campaign.
Attention Turns to Cairo Showdown
The upcoming meeting at Cairo International Stadium is expected to attract considerable attention from supporters and Egyptian football observers.
For Zamalek, the match represents an opportunity to conclude the league campaign successfully and officially confirm their return to domestic supremacy.
Ceramica Cleopatra, meanwhile, will attempt to challenge the league leaders and potentially influence the outcome of the title race despite their lower position in the standings.
With the Egyptian FA now confirming that foreign referees will oversee proceedings, focus is set to shift fully toward the action on the pitch and whether Zamalek can secure the point they need to clinch the championship.
