Egypt might accept Ahly's demand for foreign referees, but only in the Cairo derby against Zamalek, and at the Reds' expenses

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has renewed its confidence in the refereeing committee, demanding clubs to support them, spokesman Azmy Megahed revealed to Ahram Online.

"No resignation by the committee has happened. The association trusts its referees and sticks to them," Megahed asserted, contradicting media reports that announced their resignation amid fury raised in the EFA following Ahly's protest against Egyptian referees.

The Egyptian Premier League record holders of 37 titles Ahly, under the leadership of chairman Mahmoud Taher, had officially asked on Wednesday to appoint foreign referees for their upcoming matches.

After the Petrojet 1-1 draw on Tuesday, the Red Devils' Spanish coach Juan Garrido renewed his criticism of local refs, blaming them – same as mentioned in Ahly's letter to EFA – of 'being responsible of the club's point loss because of their mistakes'.

"We have lost many points because of refereeing decisions. Referees cost us wins against Ismaily, Assiouty Sport, Masry and against Petrojet tonight," Garrido, who led Ahly to the Egyptian Super Cup and African Confederation Cup titles after taking over in the summer, said in the post-match news conference. The coach was punished with a one-match suspension on Wednesday for "assaulting referees."

Chasing their ninth title in a row, Ahly, who are currently fourth with 29 points, 11 behind Cairo foes Zamalek, have threatened to withdraw from the league if foreign referees are not appointed to their matches, starting with the Cairo derby on Saturday.

"Zamalek wrote that they want Egyptian refs. We may allow foreign referees exceptionally in the Cairo derby only but whoever wants it, has to pay their costs," Megahed stressed.

Ahly's bitter rivals Zamalek are seeking to win the league title for the first time since 2004.

"If you lose points, you should look at your team and correct your mistakes to win not point the fingers at the referees.

"We need our referee committee to stand on their on their feet and attacks are not helping at all.

"No foreign referees will be agreed on for other games but the derby," Megahed concluded.

Another round of confrontation between the association and Ahly is expected if both sides aren't flexible enough.

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