No Shutdown, No Relegation: Diab Reveals the Realities Behind Egypt's League Drama

Key Points

Ahmed Diab, president of the Egyptian Clubs Association, clarified that there is no plan to cancel the current season of the Egyptian Premier League, despite the national team's busy schedule ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He also dismissed rumors that relegation would be scrapped to rescue the sport's fan-favorite clubs.

Diab said negotiations with a major real estate company sponsor are in the final stage, with the contract set to start from the next season and an official announcement expected in April.

Regarding the league's prize for the champions, he indicated that while a precise amount has not been fixed, it will exceed 20 million Egyptian pounds.

The president added that a fresh, public draw for the league's second phase will take place in mid-March, after the first round concludes.

On the potential court ruling in the Pyramids case about last season's title, Diab stressed that the association will implement the final decision issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and will not bend to external influence.

When asked about playing matches on the first day of Ramadan, he answered: there is nothing unprecedented; leagues around the region and the world have long scheduled games in Ramadan.

Concerning the notion of canceling the league due to World Cup preparations, Diab stated there is no rational basis for cancellation and no intention to do so, for several reasons. There is also no option to wipe out relegation; the plan agreed with the general assembly is to maintain the current format for three more years to reach 18 teams with four relegations and three promotions.

He outlined that the season will end in May, and the federation will align with the national team camp schedule; coach Houssam Hassan asked to assemble players 4-5 days earlier, and the authorities will try to accommodate that.

As for the upcoming Egyptian Super Cup, Diab confirmed it will be held in the United Arab Emirates, as in previous seasons.

Punchline 1: If football calendars were players, they’d always be offside—timing is everything, even for the schedule.

Punchline 2: And yes, the only thing really getting relegated tonight is my coffee—stay tuned for the twists.