On 4 September, Savio was involved in a heated argument with the referee of his Club Bolivar game against Always Ready FC and was expelled from the game.

The Bolivian Football Federation opened a disciplinary procedure and notified Club Bolivar that Savio would have to defend himself against allegations that he assaulted the referee.

However, the 28-year-old forward joined Ahly early in September and has started his preseason with the team but may have to return to Bolivia to avoid suspension.

"We have sent a note to the court. The player is no longer a Club Bolivar player. The player, as of 9 September, has ceased to be at the club. Therefore, the notifications made to inform the player of any situation have to be made in his new club and not with Bolivar," Jorge del Solar, vice president of the club, told the Bolivian radio Bolivar 24/7.

For his part, Leonardo Galbes, assistant coach of the Bolivian team, said on Al-Hayat TV Channel about the alleged assault: "No, this is not real and it was a very real moment that happens in every football stadium and any situation between any player and any referee may be a bit hot and it is a situation that happens a lot and it was just a discussion."

Ahly is set to begin their season next month with the opening of the Egyptian Premier League on 18 October.

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