Ahly will face Zamalek in the Cairo derby on Sunday, 18th April in a delayed game from the fourth round of the Egyptian League with both sides will face off for another time after around three weeks.

On Thursday, Zamalek officially asked the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to appoint a foreign referee for the upcoming Cairo derby. Adding that the (EFA) should reconsider their decision concerning the appointment of local referee for the anticipated game.

EFA president Ahmed Megahed said on Tuesday that they are considering assigning the two games to Egyptian referees. Adding that there is no need to appoint a foreign referee especially after the implementation of VAR technology.

The Cairo derby is usually officiated by a foreign referee given the sensitivity of the game between the two arch-rivals with the game being officiated by Egyptians on rare occasions.

“The club has full confidence in Egyptians referees. But we refuse the EFA decision to appoint a local referee for the derby.” A statement read on the Zamalek’s official website on Thursday.

“We ask the EFA  to appoint a foreign referee as usual especially that there is no reason that prevents that.”

Zamalek are on the top of the league table with 33 points from 14 games while Ahly are third with 27 points from 11 games.

On the other side, Ahly have not objected against the proposal.