Al Ahly are considering suspending their players’ financial dues after a 3-3 draw with Al Qanah in the Egyptian Premier League sparked major anger among supporters and club officials.
The decision is one of three measures reportedly taken after Wednesday’s match at Cairo Stadium, where Al Ahly rescued a point in dramatic fashion during the seventh round of the competition.
Al Ahly had been trailing 3-2 until the third minute of added time, when Morocco defender Ashraf Dari scored the equaliser. The result left them second in the table with 17 points, four behind leaders Pyramids, who have a perfect record, and one ahead of third-placed Zamalek.
Al Qanah moved on to eight points and sit 11th.
Speaking on On Sport, broadcaster Ibrahim Abdel-Gawad said the result had caused widespread frustration within Al Ahly.
“There is great anger at Al Ahly, and three decisions have already been taken after tonight’s draw,” he said.
The club is seriously considering withholding players’ dues until results improve, according to Abdel-Gawad.
He also said a significant meeting would take place on Thursday between the players and head coach Houcine Ammouta, with football director Wael Gomaa also involved.
The third decision concerns Ammouta’s position. Al Ahly have decided to maintain their confidence in the Moroccan manager and made clear that he will not be removed, while giving him their full backing to continue his work in the coming period.
“There is serious consideration being given to suspending the players’ dues until the results improve,” Abdel-Gawad added. “It has also been decided that an important meeting will be held tomorrow between the players on one side and the Moroccan head coach Houcine Ammouta, together with football director Wael Gomaa, on the other.”
He concluded: “The third decision we have learned about is to renew confidence in Houcine Ammouta, confirm that he is not under threat and give him full backing to continue his work in the next period.”
