Ahly celebrate FIFA Club World Cup trophy, El-Khatib steps aside temporarily - Egyptian Football

Al-Ahram Weekly

14-02-2025

In a historic dual celebration, Egyptian giants Ahly unveiled the design of its "Project of the Century" stadium at the Temple of Hatshepsut while hosting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during a ceremony held at the ancient Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor on Friday.
The event, attended by Egyptian officials, FIFA delegates, and club legends, also saw an emotional announcement from club president Mahmoud El-Khatib, who revealed a temporary departure to address health concerns.
The ceremony marked the first public display of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy in Egypt, part of its global tour ahead of the 2025 tournament.
Adding an unexpected twist to the festivities, Egypt's celebrated antiquities expert, Zahi Hawass, took to the stage.
In a playful yet stirring moment, Hawass recalled a long-standing joke:
'I once joked that the pharaohs were Ahly fans—a quip that spread far and wide. Today, we've discovered a new papyrus that suggests Queen Hatshepsut was the biggest Ahly supporter 3,000 years ago.'
His humorous remark resonated with the audience, perfectly encapsulating the club's legendary status and the merging of past and present.
El-Khatib reflected on the club's 118-year legacy, 'Today is one of the happiest days of my life. To stand here, where history was made millennia ago, and present our future home—this is what we've dreamed of since 1907.'
His speech took a personal turn as he acknowledged ongoing health struggles: 'Since 2023, I've faced medical challenges. Now, after securing January transfers and this stadium announcement, I must step aside briefly for treatment.' The declaration drew a standing ovation, underscoring his iconic status
The 42,000-seat stadium in Sheikh Zayed City, designed by Gensler and Al Qalaa Al Hamraa, features groundbreaking solutions to height restrictions near Sphinx International Airport.
A partially submerged pitch and asymmetrical upper stands—necessitated by aviation regulations—create a distinctive silhouette visible from miles away.
The venue's solar-powered roof and sunken cooling bowl address Egypt's climate challenges, while VIP lounges with tunnel access and a club museum honor Al Ahly's storied past 913.
Mohamed Kamel, CEO of Al Qalaa Al Hamraa, emphasized the broader vision: 'This isn't just a stadium; it's a sports city with a university, hospital, and commercial hub. An EGP 8 billion investment redefining Egyptian infrastructure.'
He recounted the challenging journey that began after a heartbreaking loss to Sundowns in 2019—a day that sparked a collective resolve to reclaim lost glory.
'Imagine if, on that very day, someone had told you that Ahly would go on to win 19 championships, secure three global bronze medals, and compete in the new Club World Cup—would you have believed it?' he mused.
He acknowledged the complex obstacles faced in obtaining permits, securing financing, and navigating regulatory hurdles.
'Thanks to the new sports investment law, many of these challenges have been overcome, marking the beginning of a transformative era in Egyptian sports,' he added.
Russell Gilchrist, Gensler's design lead, explained the unique architectural challenges faced due to the stadium's proximity to the new airport runway.
'While the lower tier of the stadium remains uniform, the upper tier is designed asymmetrically to meet strict engineering constraints. This innovative approach is set to make Ahly's stadium one of the most distinctive in the world,' Gilchrist said.
The project, set for completion in 2029, faced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles, but state support ensured its progression.
The global dimension of the event was further highlighted by remarks from FIFA representatives.
Jeremy Theim expressed his honor at being in Luxor: 'It is a great privilege to be here in Luxor. Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of the Club World Cup trophy in Egypt—a testament to Ahly's role as a global symbol of resilience, excellence, and unyielding ambition.'
Similarly, Italian football icon Christian Vieri recounted a personal anecdote about his invitation to serve as an ambassador for the trophy, emphasizing the pride he felt representing the sport in Egypt—even as he noted the absence of Infantino due to scheduling conflicts.
In a heartfelt moment, President El-Khatib also addressed his upcoming temporary departure due to health concerns.
'This day stands as one of the happiest in my life, yet it is also a moment of personal transition. I must take a brief step back for medical examinations and treatments. I am confident that the team and our dedicated staff will continue to uphold the legacy of Ahly—a legacy built on patriotism, hard work, and unwavering support since 1907,' he said.
El-Khatib's announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans and dignitaries alike.
Even as he steps aside temporarily, his commitment to Ahly's enduring greatness remains clear.
He also paid tribute to national leadership, acknowledging President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's resolute stance against injustices affecting our people, including his strong position on the issue of displacement in Gaza.
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