Outcry at Zamalek as Refereeing Controversy Clouds Egypt Cup Exit
18 February 2026
Reaction to the Egypt Cup Exit
Discontent inside the White Fortress after Egypt Cup exit
Zamalek issued an official statement, expressing its displeasure with refereeing errors that, according to the club, led to their exit and promising not to stay silent in the coming period.
The championship holder bowed out of the Egypt Cup in the Round of 16, after a 2-1 loss to Ceramica Cleopatra at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium.
The Official Statement and Demands
The board expressed deep dissatisfaction with ongoing refereeing errors that they have faced recently, stressing that their prior silence was not weakness but a pledge to keep local competitions orderly despite repeated decisions against them and the heavy schedule across domestic and continental matches, all in the interest of Egyptian football.
It argued that the match against Ceramica in the Cup Round of 16 was played without fair opportunity, despite requests to postpone as Zamalek represents Egypt in a continental competition. It pointed to clear refereeing errors and actions prior to the match that suggested the defeat was almost inevitable.
The club questioned why the refereeing crew was not announced well ahead of time, unlike usual practice, noting it was revealed after midnight the night before the game and raising questions about the absence of a video-assisted refereeing (VAR) international crew.
The board added that a formal complaint would be sent to the Egyptian Football Association, calling for a review of the match footage and accountability for the officials, and for not assigning this crew to future fixtures.
Finally, it stated that if Zamalek had lost a title it had held since last season, the club would not simply accept what it views as unfair decisions and would pursue all legal routes to protect the club, its fans, and its rights.
Analysts note that this is not the first time such issues have occurred this season, fueling ongoing debates about refereeing standards in Egyptian football.
The statement also stressed unity among fans and urged the sport's authorities to ensure fair play going forward.
Until then, the club hinted it may escalate the matter through legal channels and formal complaints.
Punchlines: If referees keep this up, the only thing that will stay offside is the truth. And maybe we should hire a VAR with a better sense of direction—toward fairness, not controversy.
