Spanish officials had been the expected crew after Al Ahly’s request for foreign referees, including the VAR team, was approved. The Spanish FA says its referees have UEFA commitments and cannot travel. The derby will still go ahead at Cairo International Stadium in round six of the Egyptian Premier League. The replacement officials have not been named.
The fixture is one of African football’s biggest. Al Ahly asked for an overseas crew, and VAR, despite being the away side. Zamalek treasurer Hossam El-Mandouh rejected claims that his club opposed foreign officials and said the question of who pays would be answered later.
Both clubs had 13 points from five matches before the international break, Zamalek second on goal difference and Al Ahly third. Pyramids led the table with a perfect 15.
Reports in Egypt also said the Portuguese federation was late to respond to an earlier request and nominated a referee outside UEFA’s elite list. The Spanish apology now means the EFA must start again, six days before kick-off.
The match remains Zamalek against Al Ahly on 11 October. Only the whistle has changed.