The international governing body of football, FIFA, has made a ruling in the dispute between Moroccan player Abd al-Hamid Ma'ali and Egyptian club Zamalek. The dispute arose after Ma'ali unilaterally terminated his contract due to non-payment of his financial dues on time. Ma'ali had signed a five-year contract with Zamalek starting from the 2025-2026 season for a fee that started at $130,000 in the first season and increased to $260,000 by the fifth season.
The contract between Ma'ali and Zamalek included conflicting clauses regarding taxes. However, FIFA decided to adopt the handwritten clause, which stated that Ma'ali's dues would be paid in full without deductions, as registered in the Transfer Matching System (TMS). On November 18, 2025, Ma'ali sent a warning to the club, demanding payment of $66,000 in arrears within 15 days. When the payment was not made, Ma'ali terminated the contract on December 4, citing Article 14 of the Players' Status and Transfer Regulations.
FIFA found that Ma'ali's termination of the contract was justified due to the club's failure to pay his dues within the specified deadline. The governing body rejected Zamalek's claim to count the fifth season as part of the compensation, as it was contingent on a written confirmation from the club that was not provided. As a result, FIFA ordered Zamalek to pay Ma'ali $66,000 in outstanding dues, plus $545,680 in compensation for terminating the contract, with an annual interest rate of 5% until full payment.
Ma'ali joined Moroccan club Ittihad Tanger after terminating his contract with Zamalek. The player had been seeking a resolution to the dispute, which had been ongoing for several months. The ruling by FIFA brings an end to the matter, with Zamalek required to pay the specified amount to Ma'ali.
The dispute highlights the importance of timely payment of player dues by clubs. In this case, Zamalek's failure to pay Ma'ali's dues led to the termination of his contract and a significant financial liability for the club. The ruling serves as a reminder to clubs of their obligations towards players.
The case also underscores the role of FIFA in resolving disputes between players and clubs. The governing body's decision to adopt the handwritten clause and reject Zamalek's claim demonstrates its commitment to upholding the regulations and protecting the rights of players. The ruling sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Key points
- Zamalek has been ordered to pay $611,680 in compensation and outstanding dues to Ma'ali.
- Ma'ali's termination of the contract was deemed justified by FIFA due to non-payment of dues.
- The ruling serves as a reminder to clubs of the importance of timely payment of player dues.
