Egyptian Giants Al Ahly boycott match, refuse to play rivals Zamalek

A controversial incident took place in the Egyptian Premier League Tuesday evening as a clash between rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek failed to take place.

Egyptian title-holders Al Ahly, failed to show up for their League match against long time enemies Zamalek, demanding that foreign officials take charge.

Kick-off was initially scheduled for 9:30 pm local time at Cairo Stadium, but the Al Ahly team bus re-routed to their own nearby pitch for a training session instead, Egyptian sports agency Kingfut reported.

The club's board of directors had said earlier they would not play the match unless a foreign refereeing team was appointed, alleging that clubs were being plunged into "constant crises" by the current standard of officiating.

The Egypt Football Association EFA had rejected the request, citing time constraints. It is not yet clear what action they will take as a result.

Al Ahly are currently second in the Egyptian Premier League with 39 points, four ahead of Zamalek. Both have played 18 matches. Pyramids FC leads the standings with 42 points from 17 matches played.

The Cairo Red Devils, coached by the Swiss Marcel Koller, have won the African Champions League a record 12 times.

They are due to play in the new World Club Cup in the United States, kicking off their campaign against Inter Miami on June 14.