FIFA has announced the suspension of Zamalek Club’s registration for the ninth time, according to an official statement released on the organization’s website.
The reason behind the latest suspension has not been formally confirmed, continuing a troubling pattern for the Cairo-based club.
The suspension comes at a time when Zamalek is reportedly grappling with significant financial difficulties.
Club officials have acknowledged the ongoing registration crisis but have indicated that a permanent resolution has not yet been reached, adding to concerns over the team’s stability ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Sources close to the situation suggest that the suspension is linked to an unresolved payment in the transfer of Mahmoud Bentayj from French side Saint-Étienne.
The French club has reportedly filed a formal complaint with FIFA to recover outstanding dues, which appears to have prompted the governing body’s decision to freeze Zamalek’s registration once again.
The latest action marks the ninth instance in recent years that FIFA has suspended Zamalek’s ability to register players, highlighting recurring administrative and financial challenges for one of Egypt’s most storied football institutions.
The repeated suspensions raise questions about the club’s governance and its capacity to meet contractual obligations on the international stage.
Despite the ongoing suspension, Zamalek is preparing to face Al Masry Al Port Said in the seventh round of the Egypt Capital Cup.
The match is scheduled to take place at Borg El Arab Stadium, with the team needing to navigate both sporting and administrative hurdles as they approach the fixture.
Club insiders note that the financial strain is affecting more than just player registrations.
Zamalek’s broader operational budget has reportedly been under pressure, complicating negotiations with other clubs and players alike.
The current situation underscores the delicate balance between sporting ambitions and financial management in professional football.
FIFA’s announcement has been met with concern from fans and stakeholders, many of whom fear that repeated registration suspensions could impact the club’s competitiveness in domestic and continental competitions.
Zamalek’s management faces the urgent task of resolving the dispute with Saint-Étienne and ensuring compliance with FIFA regulations to prevent further sanctions.
As the team prepares for its upcoming Capital Cup clash, all eyes remain on the club’s ability to stabilize its registration status and address the underlying financial issues.
The latest suspension serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that even historically successful clubs can face in balancing financial obligations with sporting priorities.
Zamalek’s ninth suspension highlights a continuing struggle that the club must overcome to maintain its status in Egyptian and African football while protecting its players’ eligibility and upholding contractual responsibilities.
