Club challenges disciplinary decisions and calls for review of match incident
Al Ahly have formally appealed against a series of sanctions imposed on their players and officials, escalating an ongoing dispute with referee Mahmoud Wafa.
The Cairo-based club confirmed that it had submitted a grievance to both the Egyptian Professional Clubs Association and the Appeals Committee of the Egyptian Football Association. The appeal challenges decisions issued by the Competitions Committee following a recent league fixture.
Sanctions target key figures at the club
Among the penalties handed down was a one-match suspension and a fine of 5,000 Egyptian pounds for Walid Salah El-Din, Al Ahly’s football director. The club’s captain, Mohamed El Shenawy, received a more severe punishment, consisting of a four-match suspension and a fine of 50,000 pounds.
In addition, Al Ahly as an institution was fined 20,000 pounds.
The sanctions come amid heightened tensions following the match, with the club strongly disputing both the basis and severity of the disciplinary measures.
Club seeks cancellation of decisions
In its appeal, Al Ahly have called for the complete cancellation of the penalties. Club officials argue that the sanctions were issued despite what they describe as evidence of misconduct by the match referee.
Central to their argument is a complaint already filed with the Disciplinary Committee against Wafa. The club alleges that the referee exceeded acceptable conduct during the match, including incidents involving several Al Ahly players.
According to the complaint, the referee directed inappropriate language towards players Mahmoud Trezeguet and Hussein El Shahat, as well as captain El Shenawy. The club also claims that physical contact occurred, describing it as pushing with his hand—an act they consider highly unusual and concerning within Egyptian football.
Dispute raises broader concerns
Al Ahly have framed the incident as a serious development, characterising it as a dangerous precedent in domestic competitions. The club’s decision to pursue simultaneous appeals through multiple governing bodies reflects the gravity with which it views the situation.
The involvement of both the Professional Clubs Association and the national federation’s Appeals Committee suggests that the case could undergo extensive review, particularly given the competing claims between the club and the match officials.
Awaiting outcome of appeals process
The next stage will depend on how the relevant authorities respond to Al Ahly’s submissions. The Appeals Committee is expected to examine both the disciplinary rulings and the accompanying complaint against the referee before reaching a final decision.
Key test for disciplinary procedures in Egyptian football
Al Ahly’s appeal places scrutiny on the mechanisms governing discipline and officiating standards in Egyptian football. With significant penalties at stake and allegations raised against a match official, the outcome could have wider implications for how similar disputes are handled in the future.
