The Egyptian football club Zamalek is facing a potential ban on registering new players due to an ongoing dispute with former player Abd al-Hamid Ma'ali. According to Mohamed Mattoli, Zamalek's former legal advisor for football, the club requested an English translation of a FIFA letter regarding the case. This was because Ma'ali's contract with Zamalek stated that any legal disputes would be conducted in English, not French.
Ma'ali joined Zamalek at the start of the 2025-26 season but left the club after a short period, citing unpaid dues. During his time at Zamalek, Ma'ali participated in nine matches without scoring or assisting any goals. After leaving Zamalek, Ma'ali joined the Moroccan club Ittihad Tanger. Zamalek has since filed an appeal with the International Sports Court against the initial ruling in Ma'ali's favor, which awarded him $611,000.
Mattoli emphasized that the club had followed all necessary legal procedures in the case and expressed surprise at the severity of the potential punishment. According to Mattoli, the regulations do not specify that a certain number of players must be involved for a registration ban to be imposed. Zamalek's management has stated that they are handling the case in accordance with proper legal procedures to protect the club's rights.
The dispute between Zamalek and Ma'ali is part of a larger issue, with the club currently facing multiple international cases. Mattoli attributed the financial struggles and subsequent cases to the club's current situation. He also mentioned that he had not been officially summoned for questioning in the case.
A source close to Zamalek revealed that the club had submitted an appeal to the International Sports Court on July 30, following the initial ruling in Ma'ali's favor. The appeal is currently under review, and a decision is pending. The source also mentioned that the club's management is working to resolve the issue in a way that protects Zamalek's interests.
The potential registration ban could have significant implications for Zamalek's future performance, particularly in light of their upcoming matches. The club's management will likely face pressure to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently to avoid any long-term damage to the team's prospects.
Zamalek's situation highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating international football regulations and disputes. The club's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of careful contract management and effective communication in resolving conflicts. The outcome of the case will likely have far-reaching consequences for Zamalek and the wider Egyptian football community.
Key points
- Zamalek faces potential squad registration ban due to dispute with ex-player Abd al-Hamid Ma'ali
- Club requested English translation of FIFA letter due to contractual obligations
- Zamalek's management claims to be handling case in accordance with proper legal procedures
