Al Ahly SC, the most successful football club in Egypt, has declared its intention to appeal a ruling by the Sports Arbitration Court which requires the club to pay $588,000 to former Spanish coach José Ribeiro. Ribeiro was appointed in late May 2025 with a two-year contract but was dismissed on August 31 due to disappointing results, exacerbated by a lackluster performance in the Club World Cup held in the U.S. in June, where the team exited in the first round after drawing two matches and losing to Palmeiras.

Ribeiro's short tenure was marked by underwhelming results, both in the global tournament and the Egyptian league, leading to frustration among fans who called for his removal. Following his exit, the club appointed Danish coach Yes Torup to take over the coaching duties. The decision to appeal the compensation ruling reflects Al Ahly's pushback against what they may perceive as an unjustified financial burden, particularly following a disappointing season.

The outcome of this legal battle may have implications not only for Al Ahly's finances but also for how coaching contracts are structured and enforced within the sports industry in Egypt. With prominent clubs like Al Ahly under the spotlight, such cases can influence future coaching decisions and the financial dynamics between teams and their coaches.