Zamalek treasurer reveals latest developments on key club issues

Zamalek treasurer Hossam El-Mandouh has shed light on several issues at the Egyptian club, including John Edward’s departure, the future of the sporting director role, the football company and the contractual situation involving Ahmed Sayed Zizo.

Speaking to Al-Nahar TV, El-Mandouh praised Edward’s contribution to Zamalek and said his appointment was part of the club’s attempt to give greater independence to its football operations.

“John Edward was the first to embody the idea of achieving independence for the football sector,” El-Mandouh said.

He insisted there were no serious disagreements between the pair, although they had differences over some football decisions.

“Edward wanted to return the position of technical director to a foreign coach, while we preferred the continuation of Moataz Gamal,” he added.

El-Mandouh also confirmed that Zamalek remain committed to the sporting director model, despite Edward’s departure.

“There are a number of names nominated for this position, including Hossam El-Zenaty, who currently works at Danish club Nordsjælland,” he said.

Football company plans remain open

The treasurer revealed that Zamalek have not abandoned plans to establish a football company and are considering several investment proposals.

El-Mandouh said he had opposed a proposed structure in which investors would receive 60% of the company while the club retained 40%, arguing that any partnership must include safeguards for Zamalek.

“The football company file is not closed yet, and I was against the 60% distribution to investors versus 40% to the club,” he said.

“This is not the only solution. Even if the investor requests to obtain the largest percentage, we must set clear conditions that govern this partnership and preserve the club’s rights.”

He added that several Gulf-based investors had expressed interest in investing in Zamalek’s football operations.

Board remains united

El-Mandouh also played down reports of divisions within Zamalek’s board, saying differences of opinion were normal but had not affected decision-making.

“The current board of directors is largely homogeneous, and there are some minor differences of opinion, but they do not affect the club’s decisions,” he said.

He also clarified that Edward was not forced out of his position.

“We did not ask John Edward to leave, but he made the decision to leave his position,” El-Mandouh added.

Questions over Zizo contract figures

The Zamalek official also addressed the controversy surrounding Ahmed Sayed Zizo’s contract, questioning some of the figures that have circulated publicly.

“When I hear that a player like Zizo wanted to agree with Zamalek to receive 80 million pounds, and then I find that the value of his contract became only five million pounds, it is natural that many questions arise,” he said.

El-Mandouh further alleged that some clubs submit inaccurate contracts to the Egyptian Football Association, although such claims were not supported by evidence in his remarks.

Bezerra expected back at Zamalek

On the Juan Bezerra situation, El-Mandouh said the player is expected to return to the club in the coming days.

He confirmed that Zamalek have not yet filed a complaint against Bezerra with FIFA, preferring to resolve the matter through negotiations.

“Bezerra will return to the club in the next few days, and we have not filed a complaint against him with FIFA because we want to negotiate with him and resolve the matter calmly,” he said.

“We are communicating with him legally, and we are seeking to reach an agreement that achieves the greatest possible benefit for Zamalek Club.”

El-Mandouh said the club had instructed Bezerra to return so that discussions could take place over his future.

He added that Zamalek were taking disciplinary measures where necessary but acknowledged that the club had not always communicated those actions publicly.

“Our only flaw is that we do not talk much about these measures,” he concluded.