Zamalek’s long-running transfer crisis has deepened, with new details emerging over the staggering financial burden the club must clear to regain access to the transfer market.
At the heart of the issue is a mounting list of FIFA rulings that have left the Cairo giants facing a ban across three registration windows, taking the total number of active sanctions against the club to 10.
According to sources within the club, Zamalek have now been officially notified of FIFA’s latest decision, triggering an urgent requirement to settle outstanding dues that exceed 115 million Egyptian pounds.
The payments must be made in a combination of US dollars and euros to satisfy rulings in the 10 cases currently enforced, with further disputes still pending final verdicts.
The list of creditors underlines the scale of the problem. Zamalek owe $120,000 to former head coach José Gomes, along with an additional $60,000 spread across three cases involving his assistants.
Former Swiss coach Christian Gross is owed $133,000, while ex-midfielder Ferjani Sassi is due $505,000. Portuguese club Estrela are also awaiting €200,000 related to a previous transfer.
The pressure intensifies with further international claims. Zamalek must pay €170,000 to Belgian side Charleroi following the acquisition of Palestinian forward Odai Dabbagh, alongside $250,000 owed to Morocco’s Nahdat Zemamra for Salah Mseddaq.
Ukrainian club Oleksandriya are pursuing €800,000 linked to the signing of Brazilian player Juan Peseira.
Perhaps most alarming is a separate ruling involving former Senegal international Ibrahima Ndiaye, who is entitled to $1.6 million.
Failure to either pay or reach a negotiated settlement would immediately trigger another transfer ban, further complicating the club’s recovery plans.
Club officials are attempting to navigate the crisis on two fronts. One involves using funds raised from the sale of Nasser Maher to Pyramids FC, alongside donations, to meet pressing financial obligations and progress talks over appointing a foreign head coach.
The other centres on negotiating settlements with players and clubs to reduce the immediate cash outlay.
Despite these efforts, insiders concede that fully lifting the transfer ban remains a formidable challenge, leaving Zamalek’s sporting future hanging in the balance as the financial clock continues to tick.
