Former Zamalek player detained over Benjamin Acheampong’s $100,000 settlement case

Former Zamalek goalkeeper and current players’ agent Nader El-Sayed has reportedly been detained by Egyptian investigating authorities over an alleged financial irregularity involving $100,000 paid to resolve a dispute with Ghanaian attacker Benjamin Acheampong.

The former Asante Kotoko star pursued legal action against the Egyptian football powerhouse over unpaid wages and other financial entitlements following his stint with the club between 2017 and 2018.

According to reports, El-Sayed received $100,000 from Zamalek several years ago to facilitate a settlement over Acheampong’s outstanding entitlements.

Despite signing an official receipt acknowledging the payment, the alleged settlement was not completed. Acheampong, who was expected to sign a financial agreement in favour of the Egyptian club, reportedly declined to do so and continued with his legal proceedings against the Cairo-based outfit.

The Ghanaian forward subsequently secured rulings against Zamalek through FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), prolonging the club’s financial dispute with the former player.

As reported by Egyptian outlet Cairo 24, investigators ordered El-Sayed’s detention pending the return of the $100,000 and the resolution of the alleged financial irregularity.

The case forms part of wider investigations into alleged financial irregularities at Zamalek during previous administrations.

Acheampong’s dispute with the Egyptian club has remained a significant issue, with the former player seeking to recover his outstanding entitlements despite Zamalek officials previously claiming that his dues had been settled.

The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation, and the reported detention does not in itself establish criminal guilt.