Ismaily SC have rejected a merger with another club, with a club executive saying the proposal would threaten the historic side’s identity.
Mohamed Raef, an Ismaily board member, explained the club’s position during a radio appearance on Mega FM. “Ismaily are a historic club. Our identity and licence are why we rejected the merger project,” Raef said.
“The project may be acceptable for other clubs, but it is not acceptable for Ismaily.”
The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports introduced the model in July. It oversaw agreements pairing El Sharkia with ENPPI and Suez SC with Petrojet.
The memoranda of understanding paved the way for two sports services companies. They manage, operate and invest in the clubs’ football departments, while combining the fan-backed sides’ identities with the financial resources of company-owned clubs.
El Sharkia ENPPI and Suez Petrojet subsequently began the new Egyptian Premier League season under their joint identities. The ministry said the agreements aimed to improve professional management and provide greater financial sustainability, according to details published after the signing ceremony.
Under the Suez agreement, Petrojet holds 51% of the joint football company and Montakhab El Suez owns the remaining 49%. Suez also froze their third-tier licence to compete in the Premier League through the new entity.
Ismaily will instead pursue investment opportunities connected to the club and Ismailia Stadium, Raef said.
He also addressed the club’s continuing transfer ban. Two cases remain unresolved, involving Algerian midfielder Mohamed Benkhemassa and Egyptian side Nogoom FC.
Raef expects Ismaily to resolve both cases and regain the right to register players before the January transfer window. He did not provide payment figures or settlement details.
The restriction has left Ismaily unable to make new signings for a fourth consecutive season. Raef said the club are concentrating on their academy and amending first-team contracts while they work to settle their debts.
Ismaily began their Second Division campaign with a 3-1 home defeat by Masar. Raef said one match was insufficient to judge the team and acknowledged that supporters had legitimate concerns.
The three-time Egyptian champions dropped out of the top flight in May following a 2-1 defeat by Wadi Degla. It was their first relegation since the 1957/58 season and only the second in their history, as KingFut previously reported.