Al Ahly’s request for foreign match officials for their highly anticipated clash against Zamalek on October 11 has been approved, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team also set to be drawn from outside Egypt.
The decision means the Egyptian football giants are expected to face each other under the supervision of an international refereeing crew when they meet in the latest edition of the Cairo derby.
Spanish officials expected
According to the information available, the foreign officials are most likely to come from Spain, although the final appointments are yet to be formally announced.
The request covers not only the central referee and his assistants but also the VAR team, ensuring that key decisions reviewed through the video technology will be handled by foreign officials.
The move is expected to attract significant attention given the history and intensity surrounding Al Ahly-Zamalek fixtures, which are among the biggest rivalries in African and Arab football.
Al Ahly seek international officiating
Al Ahly’s decision to request foreign referees reflects the club’s preference for international officials for the high-profile encounter.
The approval clears the way for the Egyptian Football Association and the relevant authorities to finalize the appointments ahead of the October 11 fixture.
The presence of a foreign refereeing team could also place additional focus on VAR decisions during the match, particularly in incidents involving penalties, goals, red cards and other major calls.
Huge Cairo derby awaits
The Al Ahly-Zamalek rivalry traditionally attracts massive attention across Egypt and throughout Africa, with both clubs boasting large domestic and continental followings.
With the foreign officiating request now approved, attention will turn to the confirmation of the referee, assistants and VAR officials who will take charge of the October 11 encounter.
The expected Spanish refereeing crew would bring an international dimension to one of the most closely watched fixtures on the Egyptian football calendar.
