Pyramids to Replace Zamalek in Egyptian Super Cup

Zamalek’s starting eleven pose for a group picture during the Lusail Super Cup football match against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at the Lusail Stadium on the outskirts of Qatar’s capital Doha on September 9, 2022. (AFP)
Zamalek’s starting eleven pose for a group picture during the Lusail Super Cup football match against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at the Lusail Stadium on the outskirts of Qatar’s capital Doha on September 9, 2022. (AFP)
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Pyramids to Replace Zamalek in Egyptian Super Cup

Zamalek’s starting eleven pose for a group picture during the Lusail Super Cup football match against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at the Lusail Stadium on the outskirts of Qatar’s capital Doha on September 9, 2022. (AFP)
Zamalek’s starting eleven pose for a group picture during the Lusail Super Cup football match against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at the Lusail Stadium on the outskirts of Qatar’s capital Doha on September 9, 2022. (AFP)

Pyramids club will play Al-Ahly in the Egyptian Super Cup match in Abu Dhabi on Friday after Egyptian champions Zamalek decided not to take part, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said.

Zamalek are protesting against a number of decisions by EFA, including that their former forward Kahraba is allowed to play for Al-Ahly despite being banned for 12 matches for allegedly chanting insults about Zamalek after the Cairo derby in January.

Kahraba has denied any wrongdoing and his ban was suspended until a local court meets on May 14.

"The EFA Board agreed to Pyramids participation as the runner-up in the League last season," EFA said late on Tuesday.

The Super Cup will be a repeat of last month's Egyptian Cup final in which Al-Ahly beat Pyramids 2-1.

Pyramids are bidding to win their first major title.



Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
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Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal praised on Wednesday the Saudi leadership's support for the sports sector, which has driven its growth and elevated its global recognition.

Speaking at the 2025 Budget Forum, the minister highlighted the sector's significant role in boosting tourism, noting that over the past four years, 80 international events have attracted 2.5 million tourists.

For instance, Formula 1 in Jeddah welcomed attendees from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated a SAR 900 million economic impact on the city.

The minister underscored the private sector's vital role in the sports industry, saying 14 clubs have been offered for privatization, attracting interest from 25 companies, with notable attention from international investors.

He also highlighted the success of the Nafis platform, which has licensed 2,000 academies and 500 clubs, enabling some to transition into operating as companies.

Moreover, Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the global reach of Saudi sporting events, including the Saudi League, which is broadcast in over 160 countries. The international visibility has resulted in substantial investment and strengthened the global presence of Saudi sports.