Egypt’s Cup Chaos: Donga Ban Sparks Doha Plans and Scheduling Scrambles
27 October 2025
Clarifying suspensions and Super Cup plans
Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abu Rida outlined the sanctions affecting three Zamalek players and confirmed that Nabil Emad Dongha will not participate in the Egyptian Super Cup. He noted that the previous federation had informed the club by email, though the situation remains under discussion.
The penalties have been officially decided, and Dongha will not feature in the Super Cup, Abu Rida stated, emphasizing accountability for results and discipline within the sport.
Arab Cup scheduling and club conflicts
As Egypt prepares for the Arab Cup in Doha from December 1 to 18, a real clash with domestic commitments emerges. Pyramids FC and Zamalek players are scheduled to play league fixtures on December 3 and 6, potentially affecting national team readiness.
Abu Rida said he contacted Ahmed Diab, head of the Professional Clubs Association, to seek postponements to ensure all players can represent the national team without compromising club duties.
World Cup prizes and development plans
Regarding prize money for World Cup qualification in 2026, Abu Rida mentioned a financial incentive proposed by the Minister of Youth and Sports. He stressed that the Football Association is responsible for national team results and for distributing rewards to the teams, while denying any rift with the minister.
On development, he highlighted the need for robust infrastructure: building centers across governorates and ensuring suitable facilities to host talent. He noted ongoing programs to raise players’ skills and physical, mental development, with some players already succeeding abroad.
Abu Rida also reflected on his tenure and the federation’s role in pushing Egyptian football forward, stressing the importance of sustained investment in youth and facilities to cultivate future generations.
Punchline 1: In football, timing is everything, and apparently the calendar forgot to RSVP. Punchline 2: If governance were a sport, this saga would need a referee with a sense of humor and a loud whistle.
