Mahmoud El-Khatib, President of Al-Ahly Club, affirmed that signing the strategic partnership agreement with "Vodafone" represents a new historical milestone in the journey of the Red Castle, amid the club's continuous efforts to develop its resources, fulfill its obligations, and achieve its future aspirations.
This came during the ceremony held today in the area at the foot of the Pyramids, in the presence of the Al-Ahly Board of Directors, Jawhar Nabil, Minister of Youth and Sports, and a number of ministers, alongside Mohamed Kamel, Chairman of the Red Castle Company, and officials of Al-Ahly Football Company.
See.. Al-Ahly announces the name of the club's new stadium
The ceremony witnessed the signing of the sponsorship contract and the granting of naming rights for Al-Ahly Club Stadium to "Vodafone", in an agreement the club described as the largest in the field of sports investment in the Middle East.
El-Khatib praised the role played by the Egyptian state, led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in supporting infrastructure projects and the sports sector, affirming that the dream of Al-Ahly fans to own a world-class stadium has become closer to realization than ever before.
He explained: "The beginning of cooperation with Vodafone dates back to his treatment period at the beginning of this year, after receiving an offer from company officials, followed by a series of meetings with Al-Ahly Football Company and those managing commercial rights."
He continued: "The negotiations concluded with reaching the largest investment contract in the club's history so far, which enhances Al-Ahly's resources and contributes to supporting its future projects."
He added: "The contract includes an innovative financial mechanism to protect the club's rights, based on fixing the agreement value while ensuring Al-Ahly benefits from any increase in the exchange rate, with the club receiving its dues in Egyptian pounds."
He further stated: "This mechanism reflects the professionalism with which Al-Ahly managed the investment file, and ensures preserving the real value of the contract throughout its duration."
He noted: "Vodafone obtaining the naming rights for Al-Ahly Stadium will represent significant financial support for the project," expressing his confidence in the Red Castle Company, chaired by Mohamed Kamel, and its ability to complete the stadium according to the specified timeline.
He continued: "The stadium project faced a number of technical and engineering challenges during the implementation stages, before the responsible authorities succeeded in overcoming them, and requested modifications to the design, including replacing concrete stairs with moving escalators, in line with the latest international standards and providing a more advanced experience for the club's fans."
El-Khatib concluded his statements by thanking Vodafone, the Red Castle Company, Al-Ahly Football Company, and all work teams participating in completing the agreement.
He also thanked the club's board of directors and executive management for their effort and dedication, appreciating their consideration of the health conditions he has experienced since last September, and each individual performing their assigned role to the fullest.
