When Protocol Meets Passion: The Egyptian Super Cup Handshake that Got Everyone Talking

Event backdrop and leadership comments

In the wake of a high-stakes Egyptian Super Cup in Abu Dhabi, Hesham Nasr, the vice president of Zamalek, publicly criticized Ahmed Zizo for a moment he deemed undisciplined during the award ceremony. Nasr, who led the white team’s delegation in the UAE capital, described Zizo’s actions as stepping outside international protocol and called for swift consequences under applicable regulations.

The match itself saw Al Ahly prevail 2-0 at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, securing the trophy as fireworks cooled into questions about team leadership and conduct at moments of celebration. Nasr’s critique extended beyond the one handshake incident, pointing to broader expectations of professionalism at such events.

Controversy at the podium and the reaction

During medal distribution, Zizo—formerly of Zamalek—walked past Nasr and instead exchanged the moment with Khaled Mortagy, the Al Ahly secretary general, which surprised and perplexed those watching. Nasr condemned the gesture in live and subsequent interviews, arguing it violated longstanding ceremony etiquette and suggesting that it warranted formal review by football authorities.

Nasr insisted that protocol is not a mere ceremonial flourish but a standard that governs international competitions, emphasizing that any breach should lead to prompt disciplinary action, independent of outcomes on the field. He argued that if the rival side breaches norms, responses should be consistent and visible to deter future lapses.

Broader implications and future plans

Nasr indicated frustration at how some actions ripple beyond a single moment, noting past incidents and stressing that the club would pursue accountability within the federation’s disciplinary framework. He also revealed that a forthcoming meeting would involve John Edward, the club’s sporting director, to align on football strategy, governance, and the team’s long-term plan.

Throughout, Nasr affirmed his commitment to rebuilding a strong Zamalek with clear aims, patient development, and a steady hand on the tiller. He underscored that the focus remains on constructing a competitive squad, while navigating financial and regulatory challenges that affect transfers and registrations.

Conflict, continuity, and a hopeful horizon

The narrative also connects this incident to a broader culture of accountability within the club’s hierarchy, linking it to a history of protocol debates and leadership transitions. Nasr praised the interim manager, Abdul-Raouf, while signaling that results alone should not determine leadership decisions; a holistic assessment would guide the team’s trajectory.

He closed with a call for unity and structural improvements—noting that reconciliation starts with respecting the rules and that the organization must adapt to balance ambition with discipline. As the club works through a registration crisis for a handball player and other transfer-related hurdles, the emphasis remains on stability, growth, and fair play.

Additional context included a past anecdote about similar protocol tensions involving other club figures, underscoring that the wider football community benefits from consistent standards and transparent processes. Nasr asserted pride in the club’s history and its core values, while pushing for a future where missteps are corrected, not overlooked.

Overall, the event demonstrated that in football as in life, manners matter, and accountability is the referee that never leaves the pitch.

Punchline snipers would approve: If protocol had a red card, Zizo would be sent off for a loud cough during the ceremonial whistle. And if etiquette were a player, it would need a tactical timeout to survive this controversy.

Second punchline: In football, the real transfer is of manners—the moment you realize the trophy won’t polish itself without a handshake coach standing by.