I never imagined I would one day write these words. Yes, I am Reda Seka, who has lived his entire life with this club, who witnessed Egyptian football legends shine and dazzle the world. And today, I write about its relegation to the second division. It is not merely a lost matchit is the end of an era, the fall of a giant.
On May 12, 2026, Ismaily fell to Wadi Degla 2-1 at Al-Salam Stadium. It was not just a match; it was the funeral of an era. With the referee's final whistle, the Dervishes' tally froze at 19 points in last place, 11 points clear of the safety zone, officially confirming the club's relegation to the second division for the second time in its history, and the first in 68 years.
History Does Not Lie
When Ismaily was founded in 1924, it was not merely a clubit was a dream for a city built on sports. In 1967, it shattered Al-Ahly and Zamalek by winning the Egyptian league title. And in 1969, it wrote history in golden letters when it became the first Egyptian team to win the African Cup of Champions. Yes, the first Egyptian team to do so before Al-Ahly, before Zamalek, before everyone.
In the 1990s, Ismaily struck fear into the giants. A second league title in 1991, and a third in 2002 in a thrilling race with Al-Ahly. The Egypt Cup in 1997 and 2000. The 2002 African Champions League final. These are not numbers on paper—they are memories we lived, joys we screamed from the stands of Ismailia Stadium.
From Ali Abu Greisha to Abdullah Mohamed
Generations have passed through. Ali Abu Greisha, Emad Soliman, Mohamed Salah Abu Greisha, Mohamed Barakat, Hosni Abd Rabou, Ahmed Fathi... names that wrote Egyptian football history in letters of light. And today, we see Abdullah Mohamed, the team's defender, sent off in stoppage time of the decisive match with a second yellow card. It is not the player's fault, but a reflection of the state of an entire club.
This season, Ismaily was not a team it was a group of ambitious young men trying to hold their ground against giants backed by millions of pounds. Only four wins in thirty matches. Sixteen defeats. These are not the numbers of a big club; they are the numbers of a team surrendering.
The Financial Crisis: The Silent Killer
I do not diminish Wadi Degla, a respectable team. But the truth everyone knows is that Ismaily was not defeated on the pitch aloneit was defeated in the offices, and in the bank accounts.
The club has suffered from a severe financial crisis for years. It cannot retain its players, cannot pay their dues, and cannot sign new players due to the FIFA ban. This season, the club was forced to rely on youth not yet ready for the Premier League. Not because they lack talent, but because they lack experience and support.
Last season, Ismaily was also set to be relegated, but the league saved it by canceling relegation. But was this mercy or merely postponing the inevitable? The club did not solve its problems, did not heal its wounds, so it was natural that it would fall today.
A Message to the People of Ismailia
I say to the Dervishes' fans: Your anger is justified, your tears are your right, but do not abandon your club. Ismaily is not merely a football teamit is the identity of an entire city. It is history, it is pride, it is what makes us hold our heads high.
This relegation is not the end it is an opportunity to rebuild. But rebuilding requires sincere intent, competent management, and real support. The club cannot continue relying on empty promises.
A Message to Egyptian Football
Ismaily's relegation is not a loss for Ismailia alone it is a loss for all of Egyptian football. When a giant falls, we must ask ourselves: Where are we headed? Do we want a league that includes only state-backed and corporate-funded clubs? What is the place of traditional clubs built on fans' love?
Ismaily is not the only case. Zamalek is suffering, Al-Masry is suffering, Ghazl El-Mahalla is suffering. These clubs are the pillars of Egyptian football, and if they fall, everything falls with them.
I will conclude with simple words. Today, May 12, 2026, a part of my childhood was buried, a part of my youth, and a part of Egyptian football. But I believe Ismaily will return. Giants do not die they sleep. And when the Dervishes awaken, they will return stronger.
Until then, let us weep today, but let us not surrender tomorrow.
Reda Seka
