The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) accepted Ismaili's request to enter the Arab Champions League (ACL) competition next season. The EFA announced on its official web site that a meeting between Ismaili officials and the FA competitions committee manager was held and Ismaili's participation was agreed upon. Ismaili, who finished third in the league last season, will be the second Egyptian team to take place in the ACL, after fourth-placed Al-Gaish. The competition's sponsor should select a third Egyptian team, which is likely to be last year's participants ENPPI, as Ahli and Zamalek will be competing in the African Champions League. On the other hand, Ismaili handed an official request to the FA in order to postpone their opening game of the Egyptian League next season, which is supposed to start at August 13th. The Dervishes will play Nigeria's Kwara United away on either the 3rd, 4th or 5th, but they intend to stay in Nigeria two further weeks as they will face FC Dolphin on either 17th, 18th or 19th of August. The FA said that the request will be considered, even though Ismaili will be unable to take part in the Egyptian Super Cup on August 9th in case Zamalek pull out. If Zamalek insisted on their decision to pull out of the Super Cup and Ismaili failed to make it as well, then Al-Gaish will face double champions Ahli.
