Former international referee Mohamed Adel expressed his surprise and disappointment at the Egyptian Football Association's decision to appoint Slovenian referee Rade Obrenovic to officiate the upcoming Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek. The match, scheduled for October 11 at Cairo International Stadium, is one of the most highly anticipated and intense fixtures in Egyptian football. Adel, who has previously officiated the derby, believes that Egyptian referees are more than capable of handling the match.
The Egyptian Football Association announced the refereeing team for the match, with Obrenovic as the main referee, assisted by Yuri Praprotnik and Grega Kordiz. David Schmaitz will serve as the fourth official, while Matej Jug will handle VAR, assisted by David Gabrovic. Adel questioned the choice of Obrenovic, suggesting that Egyptian referees such as Mahmoud Naji, Mohamed Ma'rouf, and Amin Omar are more suitable for the match.
Mohamed Adel, who has extensive experience in officiating high-profile matches, including the Cairo derby, expressed his confidence in the abilities of Egyptian referees. He noted that many Egyptian referees have successfully managed the Al Ahly and Zamalek match in the past, and that he himself had done so without incident. Adel's comments reflect a broader debate about the suitability of foreign referees for high-stakes Egyptian football matches.
The Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek is one of the most watched and intense matches in Egyptian football, with a significant following and high stakes. The match is scheduled for October 11, and fans of both teams are eagerly anticipating the outcome. The Egyptian Football Association's decision to appoint a Slovenian referee has sparked controversy, with many fans and pundits questioning the choice.
Mohamed Ma'rouf and Amin Omar, two of Egypt's top referees, have been mentioned as potential alternatives to Obrenovic. Both Ma'rouf and Omar have extensive experience in officiating high-profile matches and have earned praise for their performances. Their inclusion in the discussion highlights the depth of talent among Egyptian referees and raises questions about the criteria used to select Obrenovic for the match.
The controversy surrounding the appointment of Obrenovic has sparked a wider debate about the use of foreign referees in Egyptian football. While some argue that foreign referees bring a level of impartiality and expertise, others believe that Egyptian referees are more than capable of handling high-stakes matches. The discussion is likely to continue in the lead-up to the Cairo derby.
The Egyptian Football Association has yet to respond to Adel's comments, but the debate is likely to continue in the media and among fans. The upcoming Cairo derby promises to be an intense and closely watched match, with the refereeing team under intense scrutiny. The performance of Obrenovic and his team will be closely monitored, and their decisions may have a significant impact on the outcome of the match.
Key points
- Egyptian referee Mohamed Adel questions the choice of Slovenian referee Rade Obrenovic for the Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek.
