Hani Abu Rida: I Chose Trusted Experts, Al Ahly Did Not Request More Clubs in Africa

Abu Rida's Strategic Appointments in Egyptian Football

Hani Abu Rida, the president of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), recently elaborated on his choices for crucial coaching and officiating roles within the organization. In interviews, he praised the extensive experience and reliability of his recent appointments, specifically highlighting coaches Shawky Gharib and referee head Essam Abdel Fattah.

Focus on Domestic Talent

In a world where foreign expertise is often sought, Abu Rida emphasized his commitment to local talent. He noted that despite a trend toward hiring foreign coaches, the decision-maker's inclination is to support Egyptian professionals. "There was an inclination to appoint a foreign coach, but the direction for the country is to work with Egyptians," he stated.

The Role of Shawky Gharib

Shawky Gharib was chosen for his wealth of experience, particularly in youth development. His responsibilities will include organizing training camps for all national teams and monitoring training units. "Selecting Gharib reflects our need for someone who can navigate the intricacies of youth football, alongside the technical requirements of the senior teams," added Abu Rida.

Essam Abdel Fattah's Credentials

Abu Rida expressed confidence in Essam Abdel Fattah’s abilities, citing his previous experience as the director of the refereeing committee in the UAE and Syria. Abdel Fattah's connections within the African football community and his role as an instructor in Ghana further strengthen his credentials. Abu Rida plans to meet with him shortly to address current challenges facing referees in Egyptian football.

Addressing Referee Issues

In his statements, Abu Rida remarked on the ongoing issues among referees, noting tensions between new and old officials. He highlighted the performances of current referees, hoping to groom a younger generation for international competitions, stating his ambition for an Egyptian referee aged between 25 to 27 to officiate in a future World Cup.

Financial Transparency in Clubs

Abu Rida also touched upon financial management within clubs, mentioning that clubs should create dedicated accounts for football transactions. This initiatives aims to ensure transparency and uphold fair play principles.

Regarding Al Ahly, he explicitly denied any claims that the club requested an increase in the number of teams participating in African tournaments. "Al Ahly did not ask me for an increase in the number of participating clubs in African competitions," he clarified.

Support for North African Clubs

However, he acknowledged that there is collective support from North African countries for a proposal to increase the number of classified teams in tournaments, reiterating that this initiative reflects the successful history of northern clubs in Africa.

In conclusion, Hani Abu Rida’s address reveals a determined focus on building a strong foundation in Egyptian football through trusted local expertise, while addressing structural issues and promoting financial integrity.