Egyptian FA sanctions Pyramids amid Al Ahly youth match controversy

The Egyptian Football Association has issued strict penalties to Pyramids FC following a chaotic incident during their Under-18 league clash with Al Ahly.

On Monday, the match at Ahly’s field in Nasr City was halted just minutes after kickoff when the referee awarded a controversial early penalty to Al Ahly, sparking strong protests from Pyramids officials.

Islam Shoukry, Pyramids’ head of youth development, stormed the pitch to confront the referee, refusing to leave even after being told to do so. When both clubs’ youth sector leaders wouldn’t vacate the field, the referee suspended play, eventually cancelling the game. As a result, the FA ruled Pyramids lost 2-0 by forfeit, banned Shoukry for eight matches with a fine, and applied the punishment across all age groups.

Pyramids has yet to comment but is expected to appeal. Shoukry maintains the penalty was wrongly awarded and challenged the referee’s authority. Al Ahly denied any wrongdoing.

The rivalry between Pyramids and Al Ahly has become one of Egypt’s fiercest, ever since Pyramids emerged as a domestic powerhouse in 2018. While Al Ahly dominates the record books, Pyramids have scored key wins, adding intensity to their encounters.