The Red Banner: Al Ahly’s Leader Unveils His Election List Amid Health Hurdles

Election List Unveiled

Al Ahly chairman Mahmoud Al-Khatib revealed the official candidate list for the forthcoming elections, scheduled for October 30-31, as the club readies a new chapter.

The announced lineup includes Yassin Mansour, a former board member, named as vice-chairman.

The slate also features Khaled Mortagy as treasurer, with the membership slate comprising: for senior members, Tarek Kandil, Mohamed El-Gezawy, Mohamed El-Dematy, Mohamed El-Garhi, Sayed Abdel-Hafeez, Ahmed Hossam Awad, and Hazem Helal; for under-30 members, Ibrahim Al-Ameri and Rowida Hisham.

The list will be submitted before the nomination deadline tomorrow, Friday.

Candidacy Announcement

Al-Khatib, the club’s president, formally announced his candidacy for the presidency in a public statement.

In his message, he stressed his lifelong commitment to Al Ahly, noting that for roughly 55 years the club has been his primary source of happiness and pride, and that the club’s interests always come before personal gain.

He added that in 2023 his health was significantly affected, and only recently did medical advice recommend rest to avoid potential complications; he emphasized that this was the first time he prioritized his health over the presidency.

Explaining that he would not seek another term, he expressed gratitude to the club’s members and fans. Following extensive discussions—both informal and formal—a plan for the next phase was crafted to preserve Al Ahly’s path while honoring his health, saying the club deserves stability.

Achievements of Al Ahly

Since taking the helm in December 2017, Al Ahly has enjoyed a surge of sporting and administrative achievements, including CAF Champions League titles in 2020, 2021, and 2023, multiple domestic titles, cups, and impressive world-stage performances, reinforcing the club’s global standing.

Administratively, he oversaw infrastructure improvements, including opening a new branch in New Cairo, upgrading the Sheikh Zayed branch, and enhancing facilities at the Island branch, plus launching investment projects to bolster the club’s finances.

Before becoming president, his administrative journey began in 2004 as Vice President under Hassan Hamdi, later serving on several committees before winning the presidency in 2017, cementing his status as a legendary figure at Al Ahly.

In conclusion, his leadership fused a golden playing history with a track record of development and success across sports, administration, infrastructure, and community service.

Abdel-Hafeez's Apology

Al-Khatib had previously issued a formal statement announcing his decision not to continue due to health reasons.

He stated in the letter that for eight years he had pledged to the club’s members and fans to work with honesty, and that his decision to step back was guided by medical advice and the need to focus on treatment and recovery.

As the call for a new board nears, he expressed willingness to advise the incoming board as needed, while remaining focused on the club’s welfare.

With the two months remaining before the election, he reiterated that the club deserves leadership aligned with health and stability and thanked the members and the fans for their ongoing support.

Final Reflections

As a historical note, the article highlights the measured leadership that has defined Al Ahly under his tenure, and the sense that the club’s future remains in capable hands as the elections approach.

Punchline 1: My campaign aim is so precise, even the doctors applaud when I finally decide to rest.

Punchline 2: If trophies grew on trees, Al Ahly would own a forest—and I’d still need a doctor to carry all the confetti of victory.