A last-minute ruling by the Egyptian Volleyball Federation is throwing the nation’s professional league into turmoil, suspending the registration of all foreign players adn coaches just hours before key matches.The unprecedented decision, impacting an estimated dozens of athletes and staff, requires all non-Egyptian personnel to obtain valid work permits instantly. This move, coordinated with multiple government ministries, evokes earlier “Egyptianization” policies and raises questions about the future of the league’s competitiveness and the immediate fate of those affected.
A stunning development has rocked Egyptian sports, as the Volleyball Federation issued a sudden ruling suspending the registration of all foreign players and coaches, impacting 100% of the non-Egyptian personnel currently working in the league. The decision comes on the same day as crucial matches for both Al Ahly and Zamalek, presenting both powerhouses with a challenge far beyond the results on the court.
Al Ahly faces a heated contest against Sporting today, Tuesday, as part of a backlog of games in the current season, while Zamalek clashes with Al Zuhour in a similar situation. Four postponed matches await the two giants over the next week, with additional fixtures scheduled for Saturday against Misr El Petrol and Wadi Degla, respectively. “The situation is very complicated, we don’t know who we will rely on tomorrow,” said young player Ahmed El-Masry, who has lost the opportunity to train with the foreign stars.
قد يعجبك أيضا :
The decision, coordinated with three government entities – the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Volleyball Federation – requires all foreign nationals to obtain valid work permits before resuming their activities. The move echoes the “Egyptianization” policies of the 1970s, which later strengthened the Egyptian national team. Dr. Mohamed El-Riyadi, a federation official, affirms: “Our goal is to achieve fairness and equality, even if the price is temporarily difficult.”
The effects are already being felt in the daily lives of clubs and fans. Dozens of foreigners face genuine concerns about their future, while smaller clubs see a golden opportunity to compete on a more level playing field with the traditional giants. European coach Mark, currently in Egypt, is facing a difficult moment: “20 years of experience could be lost because of a piece of paper.” Conversely, local clubs are optimistic about the emergence of new talent and the savings of millions of Egyptian pounds previously allocated to foreign players.
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As the hours tick down to today’s matches, Egyptian volleyball fans find themselves at a historic crossroads. The decision could mark the beginning of a new era based on local talent, or a step that could affect the level of the league for years to come. The question on everyone’s mind: Can Al Ahly and Zamalek withstand this double challenge, or has a new era truly begun in Egyptian volleyball?
