Zamalek Set To Withdraw From Egyptian League Restart

Egyptian League Restart: Zamalek Set To Withdraw

By Sampson Adedeji

Despite the Egyptian government giving the sports green light to return in the country, one of the country's leading club Zamalek is poise to pull out of the league citing corona virus concern.

All clubs were ordered to run PCR tests for their players and technical staff members after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) was given the green light by the government to restart the premier domestic competition on 25 July, BSN Reports.

The majority of Premier League clubs said they opposed the scheduled resumption of the league, but many said they would not mind playing if the state wanted them to.

However, Zamalek, who almost lost hopes of challenging runaway leaders and arch rivals Ahly for the title, said their board reached a decision to withdraw from the competition after a meeting with French coach Patrice Carteron.

"The board of directors, led by chairman Mortada Mansour, unanimously agreed not to continue the league competition this season because of the COVID-19 pandemic," the White Knights said in a brief statement.

Defending champions Ahly are the overwhelming favourites to win a fifth straight title as they top the table with 49 points after 17 games, 16 ahead of the nearest challengers Arab Contractors, who have played one game more than the Red Devils.

Zamalek are fourth in the table with 31 points, having played a game less than Ahly and two less than Arab Contractors.