Al Ahly president El-Khatib to miss Club World Cup due to health issues

Egyptian football legend Mahmoud El Khatib, president of Cairo giants Al Ahly, will not be able to attend the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to ongoing health issues.

El Khatib mentioned this in a letter sent to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in which he expressed his appreciation for the great efforts Infantino is making to develop the game of football worldwide in all its aspects — technical, marketing, and in building outstanding relationships.

El-Khatib added that he had wished to be at the forefront of Al Ahly’s delegation in this global event, but the health conditions he is currently going through will not allow him to attend.

In his letter, El-Khatib stated that Al Ahly, being one of the clubs with the most appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup and always seeking to go as far as possible in the tournament, is keen to play its full role in supporting the game — not only in the Middle East and on the African continent, but also globally.

He concluded by wishing success to the tournament, which is being held in the United States of America, and expressed his hope that it will capture the attention of football fans around the world.