Zamalek’s Mahmoud Bentayg not seeking Egyptian citizenship, says Ahmed Suleiman

Zamalek board member Ahmed Suleiman has dismissed reports that Morocco defender Mahmoud Bentayg is seeking Egyptian citizenship to represent the Egypt national team.

Suleiman, who is also Bentayg’s father-in-law, said the reports had resulted from a misunderstanding over the player’s visit to the passport authorities.

“I do not know who was behind the spread of the news about Bentayg obtaining Egyptian citizenship,” Suleiman told MBC Masr.

“The player travelled yesterday with his family. Two days earlier, he had been at the passport authority to obtain a travel permit for a particular country he is due to visit with his family and which requires security approval.

“That was interpreted as him applying for Egyptian citizenship.”

A source at the Egyptian Football Association had previously clarified reports about contact with Bentayg over acquiring Egyptian nationality and playing for Egypt.

Suleiman insisted the claims were false and said Bentayg’s agent had also denied them.

“This is not true,” he added. “I believe his agent also denied the report, especially as Bentayg has previously played for Morocco in the Arab Cup.”

Bentayg represented Morocco’s national team of local players at the Arab Cup 2025.

The Zamalek player was recently named player of the match in his side’s meeting with Ghazl El Mahalla after winning the penalty converted by Ahmed Sherif.

Zamalek won the Egyptian Premier League fixture 1-0, with the match forming part of the competition’s fifth round.