Al Ahly weighs bid to exempt six internationals from Egypt's South Africa friendly

Al Ahly's board is weighing a request to Egypt's federation to spare its six internationals from the South Africa friendly before the Cairo derby.

• Al Ahly studies submitting an official request exempting its six Egypt internationals from the October 4 friendly at Cairo Stadium.
• Egypt's federation allowed Mohamed Salah to leave camp before the South Sudan match, citing the artificial turf pitch.
• Al Ahly wants its squad at full strength before facing Zamalek in the league on October 11.
• FIFA regulations oblige clubs to release players during international windows, leaving the decision to Egypt's technical staff.
• Regulations expert Amer Al-Amaira said the friendly falls within FIFA's official window, September 21 to October 6, so clubs have no right to demand exemptions.
• Zamalek may also request the release of its two players, bringing to eight the internationals who could leave the squad.