Egyptian giants Al Ahly are grappling with a pressing squad issue ahead of their participation in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, as the number of foreign players currently on their books exceeds the limit permitted by domestic football regulations.
The Egyptian Football Association caps the number of foreign players at five per club.
However, Al Ahly presently lists eight non-Egyptian players: Moroccans Yahya Attiat Allah, Achraf Bencharki, Achraf Dari and Reda Slim; Tunisians Ali Maaloul and Mohamed Dhaoui “Cristo”; Malian international Aliou Dieng; and Slovenian forward Nejc Gradisar.
Palestinian striker Wissam Abu Ali, although foreign, is registered as a local player under EFA rules.
According to a club source, Al Ahly are actively pursuing a deal to sign Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane from Hungarian side Ferencvárosi.
However, any new addition would require the club to first reduce its current foreign quota.
The Red Devils have already begun steps to address the situation.
The same source confirmed that negotiations are underway to terminate Cristo’s contract following an underwhelming loan spell at Tunisian outfit CS Sfaxien.
In addition, the club has opted against activating the purchase clause in Attiat Allah’s loan deal from Russia’s Sochi, which is due to expire at the end of the season.
Veteran left-back Ali Maaloul is also expected to depart the club once his current contract concludes, with no plans for renewal.
Meanwhile, efforts are being made to market Dieng, who has impressed on loan in Saudi Arabia with Al-Kholood, in order to create space for new arrivals.
Al Ahly’s management aims to finalise all necessary foreign player movements within the month to ensure compliance with league regulations and avoid disruptions ahead of the Club World Cup campaign.
