The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has announced the appointment of a Slovenian officiating team led by international referee Rade Obrenovič to handle the high-profile clash between Zamalek and Al Ahly in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.
The Cairo Derby is set to take place on Sunday, October 11, at Cairo International Stadium. Zamalek enter the fixture in second place with 13 points, leading third-placed Al Ahly strictly on goal difference.
The officiating crew includes Jure Praprotnik as first assistant, Grega Kordež as second assistant, and David Šmajc as fourth official, while Matej Jug will oversee VAR duties assisted by David Gabrovec.
Born in Ljubljana on August 28, 1990, the 36-year-old Slovenian holds a degree in psychology and works as a mental health professional alongside his refereeing career.
Obrenovič earned his FIFA international badge in 2017 before being promoted to UEFA’s Elite Category of referees at the start of 2026. He previously served as a fourth official in five matches during UEFA Euro 2024.
This season, he has officiated prominent European fixtures, including AGF Aarhus against Sabah, Ferencváros versus Trabzonspor, and Bayern Munich’s victory over Bodø/Glimt, prior to taking charge of the UEFA Nations League match between Belgium and France on September 28.
His standout career highlights include officiating Union Berlin versus Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Denmark against Spain in the Nations League, as well as Monaco’s European tie with Benfica.
While the Slovenian official has stirred controversy on a few occasions—including issuing an apology over an error during a Feyenoord vs. Aston Villa match and facing backlash from Marseille over decisions against Sporting CP—his promotion to UEFA’s elite tier reflects continued confidence in his abilities at the highest level.
