The Egyptian giants have been invited to play the Spanish champions in the annual pre-season fixture, becoming the latest high-profile club to take part in one of Barcelona’s most established football traditions.
The Joan Gamper Trophy has previously featured some of world football’s biggest clubs, including Bayern Munich, Juventus, Arsenal and Boca Juniors. This year’s 61st edition, known as La Festa del Gamper Estrella Damm, will see Barcelona host Al Ahly in front of home supporters.
Al Ahly confirmed the agreement after a delegation travelled to Spain for discussions with Barcelona officials. “Al Ahly Football Company has finalised all agreements with Barcelona following a short visit to Spain by a delegation comprising board member Ahmed Hossam Awad and Chief Executive Officer Nayera Ali,” the club said.
The delegation held talks with Barcelona Director of Communications Gabriel Martinez and Head of Strategic Projects Marina Yves, with Rio Sports representatives Mohamed Talaat and Karim Talaat also attending the meetings. “During the visit, the two clubs agreed to play a friendly match on August 19 as part of the 61st edition of La Festa del Gamper Estrella Damm,” Al Ahly said.
The club said discussions covered the organisational and logistical arrangements for the match, with both sides describing the engagement as positive.
“The meetings covered all organisational and logistical arrangements for the match in what both sides described as a friendly atmosphere reflecting the strong relationship between the two clubs,” Al Ahly said.
For Al Ahly, the fixture forms part of a wider effort to strengthen the club’s international profile and build stronger links with major European teams. “The agreement is part of Al Ahly Football Company’s broader strategy to enhance the club’s global profile and expand cooperation with leading European football clubs and sports organisations,” Al Ahly said.
The match will give Head Coach Hussein Ammouta’s side a valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading clubs before the start of the new season.
–SABCSport/ChannelAfrica–
