FIFA decides to suspend Zamalek's registration for the tenth time, exacerbating the financial crisis
In a new blow to the ambitions of the White Castle, the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) officially announced the suspension of the registration of the first football team of the Egyptian Zamalek Club, making this the tenth time that the club has been subjected to this harsh administrative penalty, which puts the board of directors in front of serious challenges in the coming period.
Details of the punishment and its reasons
According to a statement published on FIFA's official legal portal, Zamalek SC has been banned from registering new players for three consecutive transfer windows. While FIFA did not explicitly name the complainant in its decision, press reports and sources close to the club confirmed that the issue stems from Zamalek's failure to pay outstanding installments to Ukrainian club Oleksandriya for the transfer of Brazilian player Juan Bezerra.
FIFA regulations clearly state that lifting the penalty is contingent upon reaching a final financial settlement with the affected party, whether through immediate payment of all outstanding dues or through a formal debt rescheduling agreement approved by the international federation.
A series of successive crises
This incident is not unique in Zamalek's recent history; rather, it represents the latest chapter in a long series of legal disputes with FIFA. In recent years, the club has suffered from numerous cases related to outstanding payments owed to former players and coaches, such as those involving Khalid Boutaib, Ferjani Sassi, and coach Jaime Pacheco. These disputes have drained the club's resources and negatively impacted the stability of the football team. The recurrence of these penalties reflects the accumulated burdens inherited by successive administrations and underscores the urgent need to restructure the club's legal and administrative structure to prevent similar scenarios in the future.
The financial situation worsened and the club's assets were lost
FIFA's penalty comes at a particularly critical time, as the club is facing a severe financial crisis that is hindering its ability to meet its obligations. Adding insult to injury, the Egyptian Ministry of Housing recently decided to withdraw the land allocated to the club for the construction of a new branch in 6th of October City. The land was withdrawn on the grounds of "lack of seriousness in implementation" and delays in construction, depriving the club of a significant investment asset that it was counting on to revitalize its finances and attract new members, thus helping to resolve its mounting financial difficulties.
Expected impact and board stance
To date, Zamalek's board of directors is facing significant difficulties in reaching immediate settlements, making it likely that the transfer ban will continue and be postponed until the next summer transfer window. This situation puts the team's coaching staff in a difficult position, as it will prevent the club from strengthening its squad with new signings to address technical deficiencies. This could negatively impact the White Knights' chances of competing for domestic and continental titles this season and exacerbate the frustration and anxiety among Zamalek fans, who yearn for administrative and technical stability that will return the team to winning ways.
