Reports said the classy playmaker, who is criticized for some below-par performances of late, would accompany Shobeir in his trip to Tanta as a sign of support for the renowned TV presenter.

"It is true that Shobeir asked Abou-Treika to support him in the election campaign but the player turned down his request," Ahli's newly-appointed football director Sayed Abdul-Hafiz said on the club's official website on Saturday.

"Abou-Treika wants to fully concentrate on the coming vital matches with Ahli."

The Red Devils are eyeing a turnaround in fortunes after experiencing some disappointing results under coach Hossam Al-Badri, who handed in his resignation last week.

Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Shafi 'Zizo' took over at Ahli on a temporary basis amid worries over the team's prospects of winning a seventh successive league title, given the superb run of arch rivals Zamalek.

"Abou-Treika, like his teammates, wants to help Ahli return to winning ways so he is focused on nothing but football," Abdul-Hafiz, a prominent Ahli midfielder in the late 1990s and early 2000s, added.

"But I still want to stress on the great relationship between Ahli and Shobeir."

Abou-Treika hinted earlier this month that he did not feel comfortable while playing under the guidance of Al-Badri.

The 32-year-old, who looks way past his best, has scored just one league goal so far this season.