File Photo: Zamalek s Egyptian midfielder Ahmed Sayed (R) marks Ahly s Egyptian defender Mahmoud Metwalli during the Egyptian Super Cup football match between Zamalek and Al-Ahly at the Hazza bin Zayed stadium in al-Ain on October 28, 2022. AFP
“Our target was to finish the league on 30 June, but we decided to extend it until mid-July after Ahly’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup,” Diab said on a television programme early Monday.
“The announced dates will not be changed as we set up time for Ahly to play their postponed games,” the EPL president added.
Ahly were granted a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup last January despite finishing as runners-up in the African Champions League last season, taking advantage of Morocco’s selection as the host country.
The Cairo giants, winners of 10 CAF Champions League titles, have made eight appearances in the prestigious club world cup, reaching the semifinals on four occasions – the last in 2022 – and winning three bronze medals and fourth place twice.
The next FIFA Club World Cup is set to be played in Saudi Arabia in December 2023.
The Red Devils are in the driving seat of the Egyptian Premier League with 53 points, three points ahead of runners-up Future FC, who have played five more games.
Ahly are scheduled to face Esperance of Tunisia in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semifinals in Cairo on Friday as they are close to reaching the final with a 3-0 lead in the first leg.
The final two-legged game of the CAF Champions League will be played in June.
“We were in direct contact with Ahly management during the previous games in the Champions League as we always support all the teams that represent Egypt in the continental tournaments,” the EPL president said.
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