The Egyptian Football Association is set to finalize the selection of a foreign referee for the upcoming Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek, scheduled for October 11. According to media reports, the association's refereeing committee has shortlisted two candidates: Dutch referee Danny Makkelie and Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro. The decision comes as the association seeks to ensure a fair and impartial match, given the high stakes and intense rivalry between the two teams.
The Cairo derby, also known as the Egyptian El Clásico, is one of the most highly anticipated matches in Egyptian football. The two teams have a long and storied history, with Al Ahly and Zamalek being two of the most successful and popular clubs in the country. The match is set to take place on October 11, as part of the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League. Fans from both sides are eagerly awaiting the match, which promises to be an intense and closely contested encounter.
The Egyptian Football Association's refereeing committee, led by Essam Abdelfattah, has been in contact with the Dutch and Portuguese football associations to secure one of the two shortlisted referees. The association had initially reached out to several European football associations, but received apologies from Italy, Spain, and England. The committee is now awaiting responses from Portugal, Holland, Germany, and Mexico, as it seeks to finalize the selection of a referee.
Makkelie and Pinheiro were chosen for their impressive performances in the recent Gulf Cup, where they officiated in the semi-finals. Their experience and expertise are expected to bring a high level of professionalism to the match. The Egyptian Football Association is keen to ensure that the match is officiated fairly and without controversy, given the high profile of the teams and the intense rivalry between them.
The match between Al Ahly and Zamalek is set to take place at 8 pm on October 11, as part of the Egyptian Premier League. The two teams have a long history of competition, with Al Ahly being one of the most successful teams in Egyptian football. Zamalek, on the other hand, has a strong following and a reputation for producing talented players. The match promises to be an exciting and closely contested encounter, with fans from both sides eagerly awaiting the outcome.
The Egyptian Premier League has been gaining popularity in recent years, with several teams competing for the top spot. The league has also attracted attention from international football fans, who are drawn to the excitement and passion of Egyptian football. The Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek is one of the most highly anticipated matches in the league, and fans from around the world are expected to tune in to watch the match.
The selection of a foreign referee for the Cairo derby is part of the Egyptian Football Association's efforts to improve the standard of refereeing in the country. The association has been working to enhance the skills and expertise of its referees, and has also been seeking to increase transparency and accountability in the refereeing process. The appointment of a foreign referee for the Cairo derby is seen as a positive step towards achieving these goals.
Key points
- The Egyptian Football Association is set to choose between Dutch referee Danny Makkelie and Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro for the Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek on October 11.
