Benjamin Acheampong breaks silence over ex-Zamalek star’s reported detention in $100,000 settlement case

Ghanaian forward Benjamin Acheampong has broken his silence amid reports that former Zamalek goalkeeper and players’ agent Nader El-Sayed has been detained for questioning over an alleged financial irregularity involving $100,000 paid to resolve a dispute between the Egyptian club and the Ghanaian attacker.

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 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.

Negotiations between El-Sayed and the Ghanaian forward failed to produce the intended settlement, forcing Acheampong to pursue his outstanding dues through the relevant football authorities, including FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Speaking to Egyptian outlet Batolat, Acheampong disclosed that his dispute with Zamalek had been resolved years ago after he recovered his outstanding entitlements through FIFA and his lawyer.

Amid reports of El-Sayed’s detention, the Ghanaian attacker said the former goalkeeper was paying the price for his alleged actions.

“If the news is indeed true, then he (Nader El-Sayed) is paying the price for his greed, selfishness and what he did,” Acheampong said.

Meanwhile, Acheampong’s lawyer, Roy, criticised El-Sayed’s alleged role in the matter, insisting that the Ghanaian player had no involvement in how the money received from Zamalek was handled.

“Nader El-Sayed played a bad role in this matter,” the lawyer told Batolat.

“I think Nader El-Sayed should return the amount he received from Zamalek ($100,000), and the player has no connection to what he did with the club,” Roy said.

“We received all of Acheampong’s dues from Zamalek, and the case has been closed for years,” he concluded.