"Our current budget does not help us pay for a foreign referee, the EFA has to be responsible for bringing the official to guarantee a fair atmosphere," Ismaili president Yehia Al-Koumi told FilGoal.com on Sunday.

Apart from the Cairo derby between Ahli and Zamalek, the EFA traditionally orders any club who wants a foreign referee to pay his fees.

"We want to be treated like Ahli and Zamalek as the Egyptian Higher Council of Sports always pays for the foreign referee who takes charge of their match," Al-Koumi added.

Meanwhile, Ismaili are set to begin a training camp in preparation for the Ahli clash on Saturday.