Zamalek file complaint to media regulator over TV presenters financial claims

Zamalek have lodged a formal complaint with Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation against television presenter Amir Hesham, accusing him of overstepping professional codes and casting doubt on the financial integrity of the club’s board members.

In a statement issued through the club’s media centre, Zamalek said the decision followed comments made by Hesham during his programmes on the “Modern” channel over the past two days, which the club described as “abuses” against Zamalek and allegations questioning the financial probity of its board.

The club stressed that, in its view, Hesham’s remarks contravened the media codes and professional standards set by the Supreme Council for Media Regulation to govern broadcast content in Egypt.

Zamalek added that the move was part of a wider effort by the board of directors to protect the rights and reputation of the club and its officials.

The statement read: “هذه الخطوة تاتي من قبل مجلس الادارة في اطار الحفاظ على حقوق النادي ومسووليه، والتصدي لاي تجاوزات او اساءات تمس القلعة البيضاء”.

The club also signalled that similar measures would be taken against any other media figure it believes has overstepped the mark.

Zamalek continued: “سيتم اتخاذ الخطوات القانونية نفسها ضد اي مذيع او اعلامي يتجاوز في حق نادي الزمالك او مسووليه، سواء عبر القنوات الفضايية او من خلال منصات التواصل الاجتماعي”.

The Supreme Council for Media Regulation has not yet publicly commented on the complaint.

Licence issues resolved ahead of Champions League return

Away from the dispute with the broadcaster, Zamalek say they have now settled all outstanding FIFA-related cases tied to their African club licensing requirements, clearing the way for participation in next season’s CAF Champions League.

The club announced via its official “Zamalkawi” application that it had closed all files affecting its African licence.

Vice-chairman Hesham Nasr said on the app: “الزمالك انهى جميع قضايا فيفا الخاصة بالرخصة الافريقية واغلقنا ملفي اولكساندريا ونداي”.

According to the club, the final deadline to secure the African licence was 25 July, and those FIFA cases had to be resolved before that date.

Zamalek explained that only one case remains active – a disciplinary transfer-ban issue relating to Moroccan player Salah Eddine Mossadek – but insisted this matter does not impact the club’s eligibility to obtain the African licence.

The Cairo side will enter the CAF Champions League as Egyptian Premier League champions, returning to Africa’s elite club competition after a three-year absence.

During that spell away from the Champions League, Zamalek competed in the CAF Confederation Cup, winning the title in 2024 and then reaching the final again in 2026, where they finished as runners-up.