Belgian referee Frank de Bleeckere will officiate Thursday's Cairo derby between Ahli and Zamalek, the Egyptian FA announced. The 43-year-old will be assisted by fellow countrymen Peter Hermans and Alex Verstraeten, Egypt's football governing body said on their website. De Bleeckere has refereed many high-profile games since becoming an international referee in 1998, including the EURO 2008 semi-final between Russia and Spain. Traditionally, the Egyptian FA assign the Cairo derby to foreign referees due the fierce rivalry between Ahli and Zamalek. Foreign officials are rarely criticized by Ahli and Zamalek fans, unlike Egyptians who are usually accused of favoring either side.
