Emirati businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor dismisses reports of interest in buying Zamalek

Emirati businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor has firmly denied reports linking him with a potential purchase of Egyptian giants Zamalek or investing in the club’s football company.

Al Habtoor, who had earlier being linked with a potential purchase of the Egyptian giants has rubbished such reports, urging the public to treat it with the needed contempt it deserves.

According to him, he had neither submitted an offer nor held discussions with Zamalek over a possible investment.

“I have been following with surprise what is being circulated again in some media outlets and social media sites about my intention to buy the Egyptian Zamalek Club, or to make financial offers to invest in its football company,” he wrote.

He went on to describe the reports as completely false, stressing that he had not entered into negotiations with the club or made any financial proposal.

“I would like to clarify that this news is completely false and baseless. I have not made any offer to buy the club or invest in it, nor have I entered into any negotiations in this regard, and everything published about financial sums or alleged agreements has no relation to the truth,” he added.

Despite distancing himself from the reported takeover interest, Al Habtoor expressed his admiration for Zamalek, describing the club as a prestigious institution and reaffirming his respect for Egyptian football.

He also highlighted his commitment to supporting young people and sporting initiatives in Egypt, pointing to his previous involvement in recognising the Egyptian national football team following what he described as their honourable performance at the World Cup.

However, he was quick to distinguish such support from direct involvement in the ownership or management of football clubs.

“Supporting sports and youth is one thing, and investing in and managing football clubs is something else entirely. I don’t have investments in this field, nor do I claim to have the necessary experience to manage and develop sports clubs, and I have no plans to get involved in it,” he stated.

Al Habtoor also urged media organisations to exercise caution when publishing reports involving his name, projects and investments, warning against presenting inaccurate information as established facts.

He concluded by expressing his affection for Egypt and its people while wishing Zamalek and other Egyptian clubs continued success.

His statement puts to rest the latest speculation linking him with a potential takeover or investment in Zamalek, with the businessman making it clear that he has no plans to enter the football club ownership business.