Zamalek refuse to pay Juan Bezerra’s salary amid Cairo return dispute

Zamalek will not pay Juan Bezerra’s salary after the Brazilian refused to return to Cairo and resume training and matches with the Egyptian club, according to a source close to the team.

The source told FilGoal.com: “There is no truth to reports that Bezerra’s salary for next September will be paid to prevent the player from filing a complaint against the club.”

The player’s future has become uncertain after he declined to join Zamalek’s preparations for the new season. Bezerra wants to leave the club and move to Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates instead.

Zamalek rejected an offer from the UAE club, a decision that led Bezerra to maintain his position and refuse to report back to the team.

The Zamalek source said the club was handling the matter through the appropriate legal channels and in line with the procedures normally followed when a player is absent from training for an extended period.

“The club is dealing with Juan Bezerra legally and according to the procedures followed in similar cases involving any player’s prolonged absence from his team’s training,” the source said.

The source added that Zamalek believed its stance was clear: Bezerra must return, honour the terms of his contract and take part in training and matches.

“Zamalek is taking the correct steps, and the player will have no option but to return, comply with the terms of the contract and participate in matches and training,” the source said.

“If that happens, it will be a major success for the board of directors. Our position was clear: regular attendance at the team’s training sessions.”

Zamalek have already played two matches without Bezerra. They drew 0-0 with Al Ittihad Alexandria before recording a 3-0 victory over National Bank of Egypt.

The club’s decision not to pay Bezerra’s salary comes as the dispute centres on his absence and his desire to secure a transfer to Shabab Al Ahli. Zamalek’s refusal to accept the Emirati club’s offer has so far prevented that move from taking place, while Bezerra has continued to resist returning to the squad.

According to the source, the club does not intend to settle the player’s salary for September simply to stop him from submitting a formal complaint. Zamalek instead says it is following the established legal process for a player who has been away from first-team training for a lengthy period.

The club’s preferred outcome remains Bezerra’s return to Cairo and his reintegration into preparations and competitive matches. However, that will only happen if the player resumes his duties under the terms of his existing contract.