Zamalek resolve outstanding FIFA cases in boost for African campaign

Egyptian champions Zamalek have announced a major breakthrough in their bid to secure a CAF club licence after resolving the outstanding FIFA-related issues that threatened their participation in next season’s CAF Champions League.

The White Knights, who qualified for Africa’s premier club competition by winning the Egyptian Premier League title last season, had faced uncertainty due to unpaid financial obligations involving former players and clubs.

Club settles key financial obligations

Zamalek vice-president Hisham Nasr confirmed that the club’s board had successfully completed the payments required to satisfy the conditions for obtaining the CAF licence.

“The Board of Directors succeeded in ending all the issues related to the African license file with the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), after completing the payment of the dues related to the cases required to meet the conditions for obtaining the license.”

Nasr explained that the club’s leadership had made the issue its top priority to ensure there would be no barriers to competing in continental football next season.

“The Board of Directors, headed by Captain Hussein Labib, placed this file at the top of its priorities during the past period, in order to ensure that Zamalek obtains the African license and participates in continental championships without any obstacles.”

Board forms committee to resolve crisis

According to Nasr, a special committee led by club president Hussein Labib was established to raise the necessary funds and settle the outstanding cases.

The club paid the amounts owed to Ukrainian side Oleksandriya and former player Ibrahima Ndiaye, bringing both cases to a close for the purposes of the CAF licensing process.

“We formed a committee headed by Captain Hussein Labib, the club president, which worked during the past period to provide and collect the necessary funds to completely resolve this issue. We succeeded in paying the dues of the Ukrainian club Oleksandriya, in addition to the dues of the player Ibrahima Ndiaye, so that the two cases would be closed permanently with regard to the African license.”

Focus shifts to continental football

Nasr acknowledged that resolving the cases had not been straightforward but praised the board’s efforts in overcoming the challenges.

“Both cases were extremely difficult, and we faced obstacles from external parties, but we ultimately succeeded in ending the crisis.”

He said the achievement demonstrated the club’s commitment to meeting football regulations and protecting its place in African competitions.

“This achievement came after a great effort by the Board of Directors, which was keen to complete all the required obligations in this file, reflecting the club’s commitment to implementing the regulations and preserving Zamalek’s right to participate in continental championships.”

Nasr added that the club’s leadership remains committed to resolving any remaining outstanding matters as it seeks to provide long-term stability and support the team’s ambitions in the upcoming season.

“The board of directors will continue to work on settling all outstanding issues in a way that achieves stability for the club and supports the team’s progress in the coming period.”