Al Ahly Unveils Bold Football Overhaul Under New 2025-2029 Era

New Decisions in Al Ahly's Football Sector

The board of Al Ahly met in its first session after the 2025-2029 mandate was approved by the general assembly, approving a wide slate of decisions aimed at reshaping the club’s football operations. The mood was practical, a bit like choosing a captain before a voyage.

The elections oversight body announced Mahmoud Al-Khatib's victory for a new four-year term (2025-2029). He will lead the club as president, with Yassin Mansour named as deputy president and Khaled Mortagy serving as treasurer to oversee the club's funds and governance.

The club outlined the new leadership lineup for the coming years: Mahmoud Al-Khatib as president, Yassin Mansour as vice president, and Khaled Mortagy as secretary of the treasury, along with the rest of the board members referenced in the notice.

In the membership categories, the following names were listed: in the over-age group the winners were Tariq Qandeel, Mohammed Ghazawi, Mohammed Damati, Mohammed Gharhi; in the under-30 group the winners were Ibrahim Al-Amri and Rowaida Hisham.

A key move: the board authorized Mahmoud Al-Khatib to supervise football affairs and urgent matters for the club until presented to the full board, a step that aligns with his prior delegation in the last two general assemblies.

Sayed Abdel-Hafeez was named acting head of football, overseeing the first team, the youth sector, academies, women’s football, and Delphi Club, with a plan to grow the football sector’s commercial return in coordination with Al Ahly Football Company. A defined budget would be set for each element, including the first-team squad.

Yassin Mansour was tasked with forming the executive office of the club per the bylaws. He will be vice-chairman and head of the office, with Khaled Mortagy (treasurer), Mohammed Ghazawi, Mohammed Damati, and Mohammed Gharhi as members of the board.

On finance, the board, acting as the general assembly, adopted the budget and final accounts through 30 June 2025 and approved the project for 2025/2026, sending them to the supervisory authority in line with the club's statutes.

Additionally, the staff fund was discussed: Mohammed Ghazawi was assigned to accompany Khaled Mortagy in supervising the sports activity portfolio, while Tariq Qandeel would handle new memberships and staff funds for Al Ahly.

Travel updates noted that Sayed Abdel-Hafeez and Mohamed Youssef left for the UAE to join the squad in Al Ain to support players ahead of the Ceramica Cleopatra match scheduled for Friday, with others joining later to bolster the squad.

The team arrived in Dubai in preparation for the Egyptian Super Cup, then traveled on to the stay in Al Ain after completing arrival formalities. The squad received a modest welcome from a small contingent of fans who urged them to win the trophy.

Sayed Abdel-Hafeez joined the travelling party, and in line with the training program, the Red Devils held their main session on a side pitch, followed by a final workout on Wednesday evening at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, the venue for the Ceramica Cleopatra clash.

Coach Jess Thorup, the Danish manager, is scheduled to hold a press conference with captain Mohamed El Shenawy on Wednesday, in accordance with tournament regulations.

In the league, Al Ahly drew 0-0 with Al Masry at Borg El Arab. The Red Devils dominated many passages, with several clear chances that could have yielded two goals, including a late penalty miss by Zizo and a shot by Gradyshar that hit the post. The result left Al Ahly at 23 points and Al Masry at 20.

The draw sparked strong reactions inside the club's football sector and among the fan base, especially as this season’s fifth place standing and a second consecutive stumble after Petrojet raised concerns. Sources said the team has dropped 13 points in 12 games, posing a challenging early stretch for the club and prompting questions about whether the investments in the squad have translated into performance on the pitch.

Punchline 1: If football governance were a game, this is the halftime show you actually want to watch—full of strategy, less drama.

Punchline 2: And if the budget looks heavy, remember: ambition pays dividends, and humor is the cheapest asset you’ll find.