Pyramids deal with multiple issues ahead of CAF Champions League final against Sundowns

Photo: Pyramids FC

Egyptian club Pyramids FC are going to face South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Saturday at 13:00 GMT. But as the club prepares for the biggest match in its history, it does so under the weight of unresolved domestic crises that could impact its focus and performance.

Crisis 1: Nile League title controversy

The first major issue surrounds the top of the Nile Egyptian League table. A controversial incident occurred when Al Ahly refused to show up for their league match against Zamalek, protesting the appointment of an Egyptian referee for the high-profile clash.

The Competitions Committee initially handed Al Ahly a 3-0 forfeit defeat and deducted three points from their tally.

However, the Egyptian Clubs Association Board later decided to reverse the points deduction, while maintaining the 3-0 loss.

Pyramids FC didn't like this decision and formally appealed to the Appeals Committee at the Egyptian Football Association. But the committee stated that regulations prevented them from amending the decision.

Unconvinced, Pyramids escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in recent days—just ahead of their Champions League final.

The club hopes to overturn the ruling in time to reclaim the three points, which could prove decisive in the title race.

Currently, Pyramids sit two points behind Al Ahly with just one matchday remaining, meaning those three points could ultimately decide who lifts the Nile Egyptian League trophy.

Crisis 2: Fixture congestion

The second crisis concerns the scheduling of the final round of the Nile League, which is set for May 28—just four days after the first leg of the CAF final, and four days before the return leg.

Pyramids will face Ceramica Cleopatra in a crucial domestic match sandwiched between two historic continental fixtures.

This tight turnaround forces the team to fly back from South Africa, prepare for a decisive local league match, then shift focus once again to the second leg of the Champions League final.

The club had requested a postponement of the Ceramica match, but the request was rejected, meaning they will have to compete on both fronts within a very compressed schedule.

Crisis 3: Egypt Cup final timing resolved

The third crisis—which has since been resolved—related to the original scheduling of the Egypt Cup final against Zamalek. The final was initially set for May 20, just four days before the Champions League final, with all the travel logistics involved.

Fortunately, the match has been postponed to June 5, giving Pyramids more breathing room to focus on the continental final.

With three high-stakes competitions in play—the CAF Champions League, the Nile League, and the Egypt Cup—Pyramids FC are chasing a historic treble.

But with off-pitch disputes and a packed calendar, the question remains: Can Pyramids achieve two or three titles or will they end up with nothing to show for their efforts due to these many issues?