Ahmed Suleiman, a member of the Zamalek Club board of directors, made strong statements regarding the possibility of Al Ahly participating in the African Champions League in the next season 2026/2027.
It is expected that the Executive Office of the African Football Confederation "CAF" will hold a meeting in the coming days on the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup, and before the end of the tournament's competitions.
CAF will discuss a number of files, foremost among them the proposal to increase the number of clubs participating in continental tournaments, which will benefit Al Ahly, who was unable to secure a direct seat in the African Champions League for the next season under the current system.
Ahmed Suleiman: I reject Al Ahly's participation in Africa
Ahmed Suleiman, a member of the Zamalek Club board of directors, said: "We agree to apply Al Ahly's participation in the African Champions League, as it is in third place in the league standings, but starting from next year".
Suleiman added: "We want to win the African Champions League title in the next season, and Al Ahly is considered one of our obstacles, because it is a big team and always competes for the title".
He continued: "I do not object to Al Ahly's participation in the Champions League, but the tournament started with a system and it must continue on it, and after the end of the season the amendments are applied".
He went on: "A club like Moroccan Wydad will not welcome Al Ahly's participation in the African Champions League, given the participation of major Egyptian clubs such as Zamalek and Pyramids in the tournament".
He continued: "Al Ahly suffered from circumstances beyond its control in the African competitions in terms of carrying out a 'certain directive' to some clubs, and therefore we do not want to repeat the matter this season
He concluded: "Zamalek's chances will be strong in winning the Champions League, in light of the absence of clubs like Al Ahly, Moroccan Raja, Tunisian African, and Algerian Capital Union, so why increase the pressure on us".
