Zamalek working daily to resolve Juan Bezerra future, says treasurer Hossam El-Mandouh

Zamalek are working every day to resolve the future of Brazilian forward Juan Bezerra, with the club’s board determined to see him return to Egypt before discussing his possible departure, treasurer Hossam El-Mandouh has said.

El-Mandouh said the matter should be settled soon and insisted the club would seek an agreement that protects Zamalek’s interests while satisfying all parties.

“There is a determination from the board of directors for Bezerra to return before discussing his departure from the club, and that will happen soon,” El-Mandouh told MBC Masr.

“We are working on the Bezerra file every day, and a satisfactory agreement for all parties will be completed soon in order to preserve the club’s rights.”

Bezerra’s situation remains unresolved after the Brazilian sought to leave Zamalek following just one season with the club. El-Mandouh did not provide further details about the reasons for the dispute or the precise terms being discussed.

The Zamalek treasurer also said the club would not object to Egyptian referees being appointed for the Cairo derby, despite debate over whether foreign officials should take charge of the fixture.

Asked whether Zamalek would request foreign referees for their match against Al Ahly, El-Mandouh said: “We have no problem. We do not want to dwell on these matters too much, and we have no problem with Egyptian referees officiating the derby.”

FilGoal.com previously reported that Al Ahly had asked for foreign referees to be appointed for their matches against Zamalek and Pyramids.

El-Mandouh also backed Moataz Gamal to remain in charge of Zamalek’s first team, describing him as the best candidate for the role at the present time.

“Moataz Gamal is the most suitable person to take responsibility for Zamalek’s football team at this stage,” he said.

He acknowledged that the team’s performances had not met expectations recently but argued that collecting points was currently the priority, particularly after difficulties during the preparation period.

“The performances were not satisfactory in the previous period, but we need to win points as is happening, especially after the problems during the preparation period. The team is progressing well and the board of directors is supporting Moataz Gamal,” he added.

Zamalek are third in the Egyptian Premier League table with seven points.

El-Mandouh further confirmed that the club’s plans to establish a football company remained active. He said the board believed the structure was essential for the club’s long-term financial and administrative stability.

“The file of the football company will not be closed except through its establishment. The board of directors unanimously believes that the football company must be created to achieve financial and administrative sustainability,” he said.

He explained that the main issue was deciding what share would belong to Zamalek’s board and ensuring the club’s interests were protected under the new arrangement.

“The problem is the percentage that will belong to the club’s board of directors. We want to set conditions that preserve the club’s rights when the football company is established,” El-Mandouh added.

He also said former Zamalek president Mamdouh Abbas continued to support the club, alongside other well-wishers who contribute either financially or through their personal relationships.

“Mamdouh Abbas has not withdrawn his support for Zamalek, and there are other supporters as well. Some provide financial backing, while others help through their connections,” he said.

“Mamdouh Abbas contacted me personally to find ways to support Zamalek,” El-Mandouh concluded.