Ismaily was confirmed relegated from the Egyptian Premier League on May 12 following a 2-1 defeat against Wadi Degla [1, 2]. The club finished bottom of the four-team relegation group with 19 points and could not avoid relegation with three matches remaining [1, 2].
Founded in 1924 in Ismailia, Ismaily is one of Egypt’s oldest football clubs and has only been relegated twice in its history. The last relegation was in the 1957-58 season, making this the end of a 68-year top-flight run [1, 2].
The club last won the Egyptian Premier League title in the 2001-02 season and has claimed two Egypt Cup titles [1, 2]. It was also the first Egyptian club to win Africa’s premier club competition in 1969 [1, 2].
Ismaily has recently faced financial difficulties and has publicly shared its bank account details, seeking donations from supporters [1, 2].
After the win over Ismaily, Wadi Degla moved to the top of the relegation group with 48 points [1, 2].
Ismaily's relegation was confirmed with three matches left to play as the club could no longer climb out of the bottom place. The club now faces playing in the second tier next season.