The Egyptian Football Association has confirmed it is examining a formal complaint submitted by Al Ahly SC players against referee Mahmoud Wafa following a disputed league fixture.
The complaint, lodged by Mohamed El Shenawy, Mahmoud Trezeguet and Hussein El Shahat, relates to officiating decisions made during Al-Ahly’s Egyptian Premier League encounter with Ceramica Cleopatra FC, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Controversy during league encounter
The match drew widespread attention after a series of contentious moments, most notably a decision not to award a penalty to Al-Ahly despite a review involving the Video Assistant Referee system. The incident prompted strong objections from players and officials, fuelling debate across Egyptian football circles.
Al-Ahly subsequently escalated the matter by filing an official complaint against the refereeing team. The club cited concerns over the overall standard of officiating, as well as what it described as violations against its players during the match.
Complaint referred for internal review
Mostafa Abou Zahra, a member of the Egyptian FA’s board of directors, confirmed that the complaint has now been passed to the association’s referees committee.
He said the case would follow established internal procedures, including summoning the match official for review. He stated, “the complaint was referred to the referees committee to summon the match referee internally, as is the practice, and to consider everything that came in the complaint during and after the match in a way that preserves the rights of all parties and confirms mutual respect between all elements of the football system.”
The process is expected to involve a detailed assessment of the decisions taken during the match, alongside any related incidents that occurred afterward.
FA addresses organisational concerns
Abou Zahra also responded to criticism regarding the reception of the Al-Ahly delegation, acknowledging organisational shortcomings.
He said, “what happened when the Al-Ahly delegation was received was a result of insufficient coordination,” while reiterating the association’s position towards the club and the wider football community.
He added that the Egyptian FA “always affirms its full welcome to receive everyone who belongs to Al-Ahly Club, which has a great history, and all Egyptian clubs.”
Emphasis on unity within Egyptian football
The FA has sought to underline its broader commitment to maintaining unity and professionalism within the sport. Abou Zahra stressed that the governing body remains open to all stakeholders.
He noted that the Football Association “will remain a big home for everyone, in order to achieve the common good for the national teams and the game of football.”
Review outcome awaited amid ongoing debate
The decision to refer the complaint for internal review represents the next step in a dispute that has already generated significant discussion within Egyptian football. While the referees committee considers the case, attention will remain on whether any further action is taken.
The outcome could have implications not only for the individuals involved but also for broader perceptions of officiating standards in the domestic league.
