Mass dissatisfaction with Al-Ahly's decision to return Al-Sheikh as honorary president of the club

Al-Ahly’s Board of Directors confirmed that it had not mentioned the resignation presented by the head of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh from the honorary presidency in May 2018.

Al-Ahly said in a statement posted on his official website on Wednesday, "The club's administration wishes to see a speedy recovery for Chancellor Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Authority for Recreation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and his return from the journey of treatment safely to his country, his family and all his lovers, confirms that the resignation presented by Al-Sheikh From the club’s honorary presidency through his official account on Facebook, more than a year and a half ago, the board of directors did not address it in his previous meetings.

The statement added, "Al-Ahly club, with its established traditions, has not used to accept the resignation or dismissal of any of the club's honor leaders throughout history."

Al-Ahly continued his statement saying, “Also, Chancellor Turki Al-Sheikh is responsible for his ability in a sister country with which we have a historical relationship, and has a special place in the hearts of the Egyptians, and Al-Ahly’s Board of Directors understands at that time what happened to prejudice this relationship, which the club and its leaders are proud of.”

Al-Ahly concluded the statement, “The recent sessions between Mahmoud Al-Khatib, the club’s president, and Chancellor Turki Al-Sheikh, translated the rapprochement of views, and set clear controls for cooperation in the coming stage, in line with the club’s principles and the vision of its board of directors, and reflects to public opinion what Turki Al provides Sheikh, honorary president of the club, from the great support and sincere desire of him to serve Al Ahly, its members and fans in various fields.

While some praised the decision of Al-Sheikh's return to the honorary presidency, he attacked the Al-Ahly Board of Directors and its president, Mahmoud al-Khatib, on social media, and activists branded the # Turkish_Al-Ahli_ kneeling as an expression of their anger at the club's decision.