Egypt's Zamalek decline a friendly offer against 'minor' Spain's Villarreal

Ahram Online , Friday 29 Apr 2016

Mortada Mansour
Zamalek chairman Mortada Mansour (Al-Ahram)

Zamalek management have rejected a formal offer from a marketing company to organise a friendly between the Whites and Spain la Liga outfit Villarreal in May, saying the opponent is "too minor" for them, Al-Ahram Sports Arabic website reported on Friday.

The marketing company sent a formal request to Zamalek for a friendly to be played on 22, 23 or 24 May in Cairo, offering to retain broadcasting rights while the Whites management keep revenue from sale of tickets.

"We refuse to face such minor teams (in reference to Villarreal's friendly offer)," Zamalek Chairman Mortada Mansour said.

"Zamalek is a big team and is widely well known, so whoever wants to organise an international friendly for the team should choose heavyweight clubs," the Zamalek boss added.

The Egyptian Premier League title holders, Zamalek are currently second in the teams' table with 45 points, eleven behind rivals Ahly. The Whites are contending to win the CAF Champions League title for the 6th time as they reached the group stage of the current edition.  

Villarreal are currently 4th in the Spain La Liga teams table with 61 points, 20 points behind Real Madrid who places third in the ranking during the ongoing season.

The Yellow Submarine, Villarreal, has never won the Spain la Liga title. Their best achievement came in 2008 when they placed runners-up. They also reached the UEFA Champions League semifinals in 2005-06 season.

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