Abu Greisha: I Expected Ismaily's Relegation from the Start of the Current Season

Ali Abu Greisha, the former star of Ismaily SC, expressed his regret over the relegation of the Dervishes from the Egyptian Premier League.

Ismaily bid farewell to the Premier League after losing to Wadi Degla with a score of 2-1 in the tenth round of the playoff stage in the second group of the Premier League.

Ali Abu Greisha stated on the "El Primo" program, broadcast on TeN channel: "The sponsoring companies have been unfair to Ismaily and the popular clubs, except for Al Ahly and Zamalek. It is illogical for the sponsorship contract of Ismaily to be only 35 million pounds. This amount is what Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramids pay as an annual salary for just one player. So how can it be sufficient to cover the expenses of the Ismaily football team throughout the season?"

He added: "I expected Ismaily's relegation from the start of the current season. All indicators pointed to this path. The previous board, led by Nasr Abu Al-Hassan, was unable to settle the club's debts, resolve the registration crisis, or sign new players. Some players left after their contracts ended, which is why young players were brought in."

He continued: "Canceling relegation is not the best solution for Ismaily Club, as the team is capable of returning to the Premier League. I also oppose merging popular clubs with institutional and corporate clubs, as it will certainly lead to differences regarding management, the club's name, and decision-making authority. However, I welcome partnerships that preserve the rights of community clubs."