Where Does Al Ahly’s Money Come From? El Khatib Breaks Silence on Funding

Al Ahly president Mahmoud El Khatib has publicly addressed the growing speculation surrounding the source of the club’s funding, following a string of big-money signings ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Speaking during a press conference on Sunday evening to announce the extension of the club’s partnership with United Sports Company until 2030, El Khatib made it clear:

“People ask: Where does Al Ahly’s money come from? These funds did not appear from nowhere. We’ve had a professional economic system in place since the 1970s. Our revenue comes from companies, sponsors, marketing, and advertising—not from the club’s treasury.”

Al Ahly’s Recent Big Moves

El Khatib’s remarks come in the wake of several high-profile acquisitions:

• Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet" from Trabzonspor
• Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane from Tunisia
• Hamdi Fathi (on loan from Al-Wakrah)
• And reportedly, Ahmed Mostafa Zizo, whose signing is expected to be announced soon

These deals have sparked questions about how the club is financing such a deep and talented squad.

“A 50-Year Project”

El Khatib emphasized that Al Ahly’s financial strength is the result of five decades of strategic planning:

“Since 1970, we’ve been building an economic structure for the club. We don’t rely on the club’s internal funds. Everything comes through our companies and institutional partners.”

He thanked the sponsors for their continued support, stating:

“They stand by us. Al Ahly is a national institution that serves Egypt. Our success is part of the country’s success.”

“We Respond with Results, Not Words”

El Khatib also addressed recent criticism over missing out on the CAF Champions League, reminding fans of the club’s immediate bounce-back to win the Egyptian Premier League:

“Losing Africa doesn’t mean failure. We came back and won the league. We prefer to answer with our results—not just statements.”

He closed by saying qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup is further proof of the institution’s strength:

“We don’t speak much, but we work hard and let results speak for us.”