The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has officially approved the formation of its new main Referees Committee, appointing Essam Abdel Fattah as chairman as part of a wider strategy aimed at improving the country’s refereeing system.
The decision was confirmed following a meeting of the EFA Board of Directors, which also announced that additional bodies responsible for technical development and referee education will be established in the coming period.
The move forms part of the federation’s efforts to strengthen the quality of officiating in Egyptian football ahead of the new season.
According to the official announcement, Essam Abdel Fattah will head the newly formed committee, with experienced refereeing officials Gamal El-Ghandour and Samir Othman appointed as vice-chairmen.
The remaining positions on the committee will be filled by Wagih Ahmed and Mahmoud Ashour, who have both been named as members.
The Egyptian Football Association published the full composition of the committee in an official statement confirming the appointments.
It said:
“The board of directors of the Egyptian Football Association approved the formation of the main referees committee, headed by Captain Essam Abdel Fattah, and with the following members:
- Captain Gamal El-Ghandour – Vice Chairman of the Committee.
- Captain Samir Osman – Vice Chairman of the Committee.
- Captain Wagih Ahmed – Member.
- Captain Mahmoud Ashour – Member.”
The appointments establish the leadership group that will oversee refereeing matters in Egyptian football during the next phase.
The federation’s announcement also outlined broader plans to continue restructuring the officiating system beyond the formation of the main committee.
According to the statement, the Board of Directors intends to complete the establishment of both the Referees Technical Committee and the Referees Academy in the near future.
Those bodies are expected to play a central role in developing referees and strengthening technical standards across domestic competitions.
The Football Association explained that the initiative is part of a long-term programme designed to modernise officiating and improve both technical and administrative performance.
The federation believes the new structure will help create an environment in which referees receive better preparation and continued professional development.
In its statement, the EFA said:
“The Board of Directors also decided to complete the formation of the Referees Technical Committee and the Referees Academy during the coming period, within the framework of the Federation’s plan to develop the refereeing system, improve the technical and administrative performance of referees, and qualify new cadres according to the best international standards, which will positively affect Egyptian football competitions.”
The reference to international standards highlights the federation’s ambition to align referee education and management with recognised global practices.
The creation of a dedicated academy is expected to provide a structured pathway for training future officials while supporting the continued development of experienced referees.
Meanwhile, the proposed Technical Committee is likely to focus on evaluating performances, implementing technical programmes and supporting the overall quality of officiating.
The announcement comes as Egyptian football prepares for a new season, with refereeing standards expected to receive increased attention.
By confirming the composition of the main Referees Committee and outlining plans for further institutional development, the Football Association has taken another step in its wider programme of reform.
The appointments place Essam Abdel Fattah at the centre of that process, supported by vice-chairmen Gamal El-Ghandour and Samir Othman, alongside committee members Wagih Ahmed and Mahmoud Ashour.
With additional structures still to be established, the federation says its objective remains the same: to improve the standard of refereeing, enhance administrative efficiency and prepare a new generation of officials capable of meeting internationally recognised benchmarks, with the ultimate aim of strengthening Egyptian football competitions.
