EGYPT'S AL-AHLY WINS A RECORD 45TH TITLE

 

Egypt’s Al Ahly earn record-extending 45th league title

The recent crowning of Al Ahly as the Egyptian Premier League Champions has sparked considerable controversy, particularly due to their refusal to play a scheduled match against fierce rivals Zamalek FC. This situation raises significant questions, particularly when examined through the lens of FIFA and IFAB regulations regarding the honoring of league fixtures.

Background of the Controversy  

Al Ahly secured their 45th league title after a resounding 6-0 victory over Pharco, finishing the season with 58 points. However, their championship is clouded by allegations of unfair play, especially regarding their failure to compete against Zamalek. Initially, they faced a three-point deduction for not fulfilling their fixture, but this sanction was rescinded following their appeal to the local Olympic Committee. Pyramids FC, who finished just two points behind Al Ahly, have since taken up the issue, appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to have those three points deducted and awarded to them.

FIFA and IFAB Regulations  

According to FIFA and IFAB rules concerning match scheduling and participation, clubs are expected to honor their commitments to play league matches unless there is a legitimate and defensible reason for non-participation. In instances where teams fail to show up without justified reasoning, there are typically consequences, including possible point deductions as seen in various leagues globally. The application of these regulations underscores the principle that fixtures must be fulfilled to maintain competition integrity.

Supporting Arguments for a Sanction  

1. Consistency in Punishment: By allowing Al Ahly to escape the initial three-point deduction, a precedent is set that undermines the authority of the Egyptian Professional Football Club Association and may lead to calls for inconsistency in future decisions regarding match attendance.

2. Equity in Competition: Applying a deduction to Al Ahly would right an imbalance caused by their non-participation, ensuring that all teams adhere to the same standards and protocols, establishing fairness in competition.

3. Historical Precedence: Leagues around the world enforce point deductions for similar infractions, and applying such a sanction would align the Egyptian league with best practices in football governance.

Recommendation for Sanction  

Given these considerations, the most equitable response would be to enforce the initial three-point deduction on Al Ahly for their failure to honor the match against Zamalek. Such a measure not only restores competitive fairness to the standings but also sends a clear message about accountability in league participation.

Impact on Pyramids FC  

The ongoing controversy could be a psychological blow to Pyramids FC, especially as they prepare for their maiden CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns. Amidst their pursuit of continental glory, the uncertainty surrounding the league title and potential sanctions against Al Ahly may affect their morale and focus. 

While they aim to claim their first-ever CAF title, the narrative surrounding the league title could distract their efforts, leading to additional pressure. The psychological toll can be profound, as players and management may find it challenging to compartmentalize their league disappointment from their ambitions on this larger stage.

Conclusion  

In conclusion, the controversy over Al Ahly's league title should serve as a clarion call for integrity and adherence to established regulations within the Egyptian Premier League. Upholding the principles set forth by FIFA and IFAB is essential not just for this situation but for the future of football in Egypt. A fair resolution, including the reapplication of the three-point deduction for Al Ahly, would enhance the credibility of the league and support the authenticity of future competitions, including the significant continental tournaments where Pyramids FC is striving for success. Ultimately, the governance of such matters will shape the competitive landscape of Egyptian football, providing the foundation upon which all clubs can strive for excellence.

RED-CARD ESCAPE FOR ARSENAL BOSS MIKEL ARTETA SET TO LEAD TO LAW CHANGE

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to change the law on coaches interfering with the ball in play after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wrongly escaped a red card in his side's Champions League defeat at Inter Milan.

Inter defender Matteo Darmian moved to play a ball which was going out for a throw-in, and Arteta picked it up before it had crossed the line. Referee Istvan Kovacs showed Arteta a yellow card, but by the Laws of the Game it should have been a red card.

This year, West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberán and Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes have both been sent off in similar circumstances, but after lengthy discussions at its Annual Business Meeting on Monday the IFAB recommended a change to the law.

While Kovacs' decision at San Siro was incorrect, the IFAB believes that when the sole intention of the coach is helping the game restart quickly -- as was the case with Arteta, Corberán and McInnes -- then a caution is a more suitable disciplinary outcome.

The change to the law, which would come in next summer, must be approved at the IFAB's AGM on March 1.

The only other law set to change covers the dropped ball. Currently, if a team has possession and a pass his the referee, they get the dropped ball regardless.

The proposal is that if the pass is wayward and obviously going to the other team, then the dropped ball should go to opposition.

- Dale Johnson, General Editor, ESPN FC

VAR COACH CHALLENGES TO BE TRAILED IN NEW COMPETITION

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Monday approved expanded trials of Football Video Support (FVS), an alternative VAR system which gives coaches the chance to challenge decisions.

FVS, which was used at the U20 and U17 FIFA Women's World Cups this year, was initially given the green light for testing by the IFAB in March as a cost-effective alternative to VAR.

Pierluigi Collina, the chairman of FIFA's referees' committee, told ESPN last month that he would be making an application at the IFAB's Annual Business Meeting in London to have trials in more competitions.

Rather than reviews being overseen and controlled only by an official acting as a video assistant referee, FVS gives coaches the chance to make up to two challenges per match if they feel an error has been made.

At present, the challenge system is only intended for use in leagues with fewer resources, ideally with no more than four cameras, rather than top divisions like the Premier League. It could be used in a competition like the Women's Super League, which has problems using VAR due to the wide-ranging size and type of stadiums used.

"We are at the beginning of the trial and the experiences at both the U20 and U17 FIFA Women's World Cup will be carefully analysed but so far, we haven't noticed anything unexpected," Collina told ESPN. "Several FIFA member associations already showed the interest to participate to the trial.

"Making clear that FVS is not VAR is critical, in particular in terms of expectation. Because of the limited number of cameras, FVS won't be able to show what VAR can show. Offside is an example: without cameras properly positioned, only clear offside can be spotted. This makes the on-field decision important too.

"FVS is designed to work with a limited camera set up, ideally up to four to five. With more cameras, the process of checking all of the footage and available angles may become very long as, and differently from VAR, there are not any video match officials selecting those clips to be seen by the referee."

With FVS the coach makes a challenge to a decision and the referee then goes to the side of the pitch to view a replay of the incident. Unlike with VAR, there is only a replay operator who cues up the video. The match referee alone then assesses his own decision and isn't told he has made a clear and obvious error in advance.

The IFAB was also presented with update to a trial which addresses goalkeepers holding the ball for too long, and sees the opposition given a corner or throw-in (two separate trials) if it is held for more than eight seconds after they have clear control. Premier League 2, a competition for the 25 clubs with "Category One" academies, has been part of this trial.

Also discussed was the trial which sees only the captain able to speak to the referee, trials involving public announcements after lengthy VAR checks and VAR reviews, developments in relation to semi-automated offside technology and the use of referee body cameras.

The IFAB's Annual General Meeting on March 1 will take the next decisions in relation to these trials, and confirm any amendments to the Laws, to take effect from next July.

- Dale Johnson, General Editor, ESPN FC