Zamalek face unexpected court battle over Adi Al-Dabbagh signing

What was supposed to be a proud moment for Zamalek after landing Palestinian forward Adi Al-Dabbagh has now turned into a legal headache that threatens to overshadow the club’s joy.

The Compensation Department of the competent court has fixed September 23, 2025, for the first hearing of a compensation lawsuit filed against Zamalek president Hussein Labib and the club’s media official. The plaintiff is demanding 20 million Egyptian pounds in civil compensation, claiming psychological and moral damage after her phone number appeared in a promotional video celebrating Al-Dabbagh’s arrival.

On May 8, 2025, Zamalek confirmed the four-year deal with Al-Dabbagh, who joined from Belgian side Charleroi. In the announcement video, a scene displayed the plaintiff’s number on the screen of the player’s phone, suggesting he was being contacted by rival clubs.

The clip quickly went viral, leading to a flood of unwanted calls, harassment, and insults directed at the woman. She responded by filing the lawsuit, leaving Zamalek’s leadership stunned as their celebration turned into controversy.