Foreign referee for Zamalek-Ahli clash, EFA insist

Egyptian Football Association (EFA) treasurer Ahmed Shaker insisted on Sunday that the referee for the Zamalek-Ahli clash will be a foreigner, refuting reports that Egyptian Essam Abdul-Fattah will officiate the game.

"For years now it's been agreed that the Cairo derby referee will be a foreigner regardless of the two teams' performances or positions in the league," Shaker said.

"We have no intention of changing that custom," he added.

Recent Egyptian media reports have tipped Abdul-Fattah to take charge of the anticipated clash to honor his participation in this summer's World Cup finals.

Second placed Zamalek will host league leaders Ahli in the 24th round of the Egyptian league next month.

Zamalek are trailing virtual title winners Ahli by eight points.

"Talks of Abdul-Fattah refereeing the Zamalek-Ahli match are nothing but speculations because nothing has changed," insisted Shaker.

Zamalek had held Ahli to a goalless draw in the first round match that took place in March.