Egyptian Premier League
The Egyptian Premier League (EPL) is the top-tier professional football league in Egypt,
organized by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).
Founded in 1948, it is one of Africa’s strongest and most historic leagues,
featuring global giants such as Al Ahly and Zamalek SC.
History and facts
The Egyptian Premier League was established in 1948, replacing the regional Cairo, Alexandria, and Canal Zone leagues. From its beginning, Al Ahly dominated the competition and became Africa’s most decorated club.
Zamalek emerged as their fiercest rival, forming one of the most intense derbies in world football — the Cairo Derby.
Egyptian clubs consistently achieve success in the CAF Champions League, with Al Ahly holding the record for most continental titles.
League system
The Egyptian Premier League features 18 clubs.
The bottom clubs are relegated to the Egyptian Second Division A,
while the top teams from that division are promoted to the EPL.
Table 1. Egyptian football league pyramid
| League | Tier |
|---|---|
| Egyptian Premier League | 1 |
| Egyptian Second Division A | 2 |
| Egyptian Second Division B | 3 |
Regional leagues operate below Division B.
Stats
Teams with most titles
Table 2. Most Egyptian Premier League titles
| Club | Titles |
|---|---|
| Al Ahly | 43+ |
| Zamalek SC | 14 |
| Ismaily SC | 3 |
| Ghazl El Mahalla | 1 |
| Al Mokawloon Al Arab | 1 |
Al Ahly is the most successful club in Africa and the Middle East.
Teams with most top-division participation
Table 3. Most seasons in Egyptian Premier League
| Club | Seasons |
|---|---|
| Al Ahly | 75+ |
| Zamalek SC | 75+ |
| Ismaily SC | 60+ |
| Al-Ittihad Alexandria | 60+ |
| Ghazl El Mahalla | 55+ |
Al Ahly and Zamalek have never been relegated.
Audience
Major stadiums
Table 4. Major stadiums in Egypt
| Stadium | Home Club | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo International Stadium | Al Ahly / Zamalek SC | 75,000 |
| Alexandria Stadium | Al-Ittihad | 20,000 |
| Ismailia Stadium | Ismaily | 18,500 |
| Arab Contractors Stadium | Al Mokawloon | 35,000 |
| Borg El Arab Stadium | Multiple Clubs | 86,000 |
Players
Famous players
- Mohamed Salah
- Mohamed Aboutrika
- Hossam Hassan
- Ahmed Hassan
- Mahmoud El Khatib
- Essam El Hadary
- Shikabala
- Ahmed Hegazi
Egyptian Premier League timeline
1948
Egyptian Premier League is founded.
1960s
Al Ahly and Zamalek dominate the early decades.
2001
Egyptian clubs grow in continental success.
2010s
Al Ahly becomes Africa’s most decorated team.
2023
League upgrades to new financial and licensing systems.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_Premier_League
https://efa.eg/
https://rsssf.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_Premier_League
https://efa.eg/
https://rsssf.org
