Zamalek SC disputes EFA decision to deny VAR audio access

Zamalek SC is in a dispute with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) following controversial refereeing decisions during a recent match against Al Ahly. The club requested to listen to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) audio recordings to clarify specific incidents, including two denied penalty claims.

The EFA officially rejected Zamalek’s request, citing a precedent from the previous season when Al Ahly’s similar request was also denied. Officials stated that granting Zamalek access could lead to claims of unequal treatment. Additionally, reports suggest the EFA viewed Zamalek’s request as too general, lacking specific details on the incidents in question.

Zamalek’s media director, Maher Gharib, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, questioning why the EFA had not officially communicated the decision prohibiting clubs from hearing VAR communications. The dispute also led to a televised verbal altercation between Gharib and journalist Ibrahim Fayek regarding the club's communication strategy and its stance toward the federation.