Incoming Al Ahly head coach Jose Riveiro has reportedly made a surprising decision regarding his squad for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Although his contract with Orlando Pirates was originally set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, Riveiro was granted an early release with four matches remaining.
READ | Reports: No Zamalek deal on the table for Rulani
The Spanish tactician arrived in Cairo in recent weeks and is expected to be officially unveiled by the Egyptian Premier League giants soon.
Al Ahly have been drawn into Group A alongside Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, Brazilian side Palmeiras, and Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto.
Although he is yet to be announced, Riveiro is said to have already begun assembling the squad he intends to take to the tournament, which is scheduled to run from 14 June to 13 July 2025 in the United States.
According to Egyptian football legend Ahmed Shobeir, Riveiro has opted to take a streamlined 26-man squad, emphasizing that he wants his players fully focused on the tournament.
"Rivero is scheduled to officially begin his duties next Saturday, after his assistant staff is completed, which includes a foreign goalkeeping coach, not a South African one as rumoured," Shobier said, per Ahlmasrnews.com.
READ | Zamalek 'torn' over Mosimane hire
"Mohamed Shawky will continue with the new technical staff, while Mohamed Youssef will assume the position of the team's sports director.
"It is not yet known whether the Al Ahly management will approve this decision (of going with 26 players to the Club World Cup)."
"Coach Rivero will decide the fate of the player, whose contract with the club has expired. Ali Maaloul broke down in tears after the match against Pharco in the locker room, and he feels this could be his final stop with Al Ahly, but nothing is certain yet."
