Al Ahly SC football director Walid Salah El-Din has submitted a verbal resignation following the club’s elimination from the CAF Champions League quarter-finals by Espérance de Tunis, amid growing pressure from supporters over recent performances.
Resignation Offered Amid Fan Pressure
According to a source within the club, Salah El-Din informed board member Sayed Abdel-Hafiz of his decision during a recent meeting held after the team resumed training. The move is understood to be an attempt to ease pressure on the club’s leadership following mounting criticism directed at him in recent weeks.
The source added that Salah El-Din acknowledged the frustration of fans and expressed his willingness to step aside in the club’s best interest.
Club Rejects Immediate Exit
Despite the offer, Abdel-Hafiz declined to accept the resignation at this stage, insisting that Salah El-Din should remain in his role until the end of the season. The decision reflects concerns over timing, with the club reluctant to make a major structural change during a critical phase of the campaign.
Finding a suitable replacement mid-season is also seen as a challenge, further strengthening the case for continuity in the short term.
Uncertain Future Beyond the Season
While the resignation has been postponed for now, uncertainty remains over Salah El-Din’s long-term future at the club. Within the board, there are indications led by vice president Yassin Mansour that a change in the football director position is being considered. However, a final decision has been deferred until the end of the season.
Reduced Role Behind the Scenes
Recent developments suggest that Salah El-Din’s responsibilities have already been scaled back. Abdel-Hafiz has taken on a more visible role in team affairs, frequently attending training sessions and playing a greater part in day-to-day operations.
Despite these internal adjustments, sources indicate that there is no conflict between the two officials, with a cooperative relationship continuing as they jointly oversee team management.
A Club at a Crossroads
The Champions League exit has intensified scrutiny on Al Ahly SC, a club accustomed to success on the continental stage. As the season progresses, attention will not only be on results on the pitch but also on potential changes behind the scenes.
For now, Salah El-Din remains in position but with his future set to be one of the key decisions facing the club in the months ahead.
