The Al Ahly SC board of directors on Friday issued an official statement in response to club president Mahmoud Al-Khatib’s decision not to run in the upcoming elections.
The statement read: “The board has reviewed the statement from Captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib, which included his desire to step away from the club in the coming period due to health conditions requiring treatment.”
“The board values Captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib’s journey of giving to Al Ahly for over fifty years—as a player, board member, treasurer, vice president, and then club president—a period during which he made many sacrifices and exerted every effort to elevate Al Ahly and raise its flag, always upholding the club’s values and long-standing traditions.”
“The board also values the pain that Captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib has endured to fulfill his promise to the Al Ahly fans and General Assembly members and to complete the unprecedented successes the club and its four branches have achieved at all athletic, developmental, financial, and administrative levels.”
“While the board confirms Captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib’s full right to get the necessary rest and receive treatment at a time that suits him, and we wish him a speedy recovery, at the same time, it rejects Captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib’s decision to distance himself from the club, whether now or in the future. Al Ahly is in dire need of his leadership for more achievements, especially as he always sets an example of sacrifice for the sake of the club and its members and fans.”
This statement came after Al-Khatib had issued his own official announcement earlier on Friday, in which he explained that his decision was based on strict medical advice to avoid any pressure.
He expressed his full confidence in the board’s ability to manage the next phase and said he would be available to offer his opinion or advice until a new board is elected.
Al-Khatib concluded by urging all club members to attend the General Assembly meeting on Friday, to participate in shaping the club’s future.
