November 27 – In a potentially serious blow to footballing geo-politics in the region, Zamalek of Egypt are refusing to go ahead with Africa’s Super Cup in Qatar in February.
Zamalek are taking a stand by saying it won’t play Africa Champions League holders Esperance of Tunisia in the Confederation of African Football-organised event.
The meeting between the annual winners of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup is billed for Doha just two months after Qatar also stages the Club World Cup.
Zamalek president Mortada Mansour said the showdown should be held on the African continent rather than Asia though politics is clearly playing a part since Egypt are one of those countries who severed diplomatic and trade links with Qatar .
Last year CAF decided that the Super Cup, traditionally hosted by the Champions League winners, would be played in Qatar until 2021.
“We are two African teams, why should we play in Asia?” Mansour told a news conference. “I don’t understand why CAF wants to play the Super Cup in a country who is an enemy to Egypt.
“Zamalek board members discussed the issue and decided not to play in Qatar. I am disappointed that Esperance have agreed to play there.”
“At the end of the day it is up to the Egyptian authorities if they want to reverse the decision and if they have another opinion [then] we will respect that.”
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