Egyptian giants Al Ahly are grappling with a major squad management issue ahead of this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, as the club currently exceeds the Egyptian Football Association’s limit of five foreign players.
The team presently boasts eight foreign players: Moroccans Yahya Attiat Allah, Achraf Bencharki, Achraf Dari, and Reda Selim; Tunisians Ali Maaloul and Mohamed Dhaoui “Christo”; Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng; and Slovenian Nets Gradiscar.
Palestinian forward Wissam Abu Ali is considered a local player under EFA regulations.
A source within the club has revealed that Al Ahly is in talks to sign Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane from Hungarian side Ferencvarosi, which would further complicate their foreign player situation.
To comply with league rules, the club is planning a clear-out. Discussions are ongoing to terminate Christo’s contract following an underwhelming loan spell at Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.
Additionally, Al Ahly has decided not to trigger the purchase option for Yahya Attiat Allah, whose loan from Russian club Sochi expires at the end of the season.
Veteran left-back Ali Maaloul will also depart, with the club opting not to renew his contract.
Meanwhile, midfielder Aliou Dieng is being offered to other clubs, particularly after his impressive loan stint with Saudi side Al-Khulood.
The source emphasised that Al Ahly aims to resolve the foreign player situation by the end of this month to avoid disruption and financial loss ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup campaign.
