Did Zamalek request to play Confederation Cup final first leg behind closed doors?

Zamalek board member Naira El Ahmar denied reports claiming the club requested to play the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final against USM Alger without fans following the incidents in the other semi-final.

The second leg between Olympic Safi and USM Alger at El Massira Stadium witnessed major crowd trouble and chaos, raising concerns ahead of the final.

The 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup final is scheduled to be played over two legs on May 9 and May 16 between Zamalek and USM Alger.

Speaking to Zamalek Voice Radio, El Ahmar said:
“I did not speak about any request from Zamalek’s board to play the first leg of the Confederation Cup final without fans, and I confirmed that this matter is not my responsibility.”

She added:
“I only said that Zamalek is committed to the regulations, and if there are clauses in the rules that grant the club rights, Zamalek will not give up its rights.”

She stressed:
“We have strong brotherly relations with the Algerian people and the fans of Algerian clubs, and the ideal scene in the match against CR Belouizdad is the best proof of the strength of these relations.”

The White Knights qualified for the final after overcoming another Algerian side, CR Belouizdad, winning 1-0 in the first leg in Algeria and securing a goalless draw in the return leg in Cairo.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.