Zamalek Turn Down North Africa Championship

September 14, 2009

Egyptian giants Zamalek have turned down the chance to participate in the North Africa Championship, an unofficial club competition for teams from the region.

The club’s board were keen to take part in the tournament, but coach Henri Michel vetoed the plan, saying he would rather keep the club’s focus on the domestic League.

"The board suggested that Zamalek participate in the North Africa Championship, but Michel decided not to," Assistant coach Abdul-Rehim Mohamed told FilGoal.com.

"He said that he would rather concentrate on the Egyptian Premier League without any distraction. The North Africa Championship is not an official competition, and that's another reason why Michel snubbed it."

Fellow Egyptian side Ismaili have also passed up the chance to participate in the event.