Al Ahly question Zamalek’s CAF licensing eligibility amid financial compliance concerns

Egyptian giants Al Ahly are reportedly casting doubt over whether rivals Zamalek meet the financial requirements needed to obtain a license from the Confederation of African Football ahead of future continental competitions.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Al Ahly believe Zamalek could be in breach of club licensing regulations set by Confederation of African Football, which require participating clubs to settle all outstanding financial obligations before being granted permission to compete in the CAF Champions League and other tournaments.

At the centre of the concern are allegations that Zamalek may still have unresolved debts, including payments owed to players, coaching staff, and other clubs. CAF’s Club Licensing system is designed to ensure financial discipline across African football, and clubs must demonstrate that they have cleared all “overdue payables” as part of the approval process.

Reports indicate that Al Ahly are prepared to escalate the matter if Zamalek are granted a licence despite the alleged issues. In such a scenario, the club could reportedly pursue a legal challenge, arguing that the licensing decision contradicts CAF regulations.

The so-called “legal file” being considered is said to include references to outstanding financial disputes, previous international cases, and any relevant sanctions or restrictions involving the club at the level of FIFA.

While no official complaint has been confirmed at this stage, the situation adds a new layer of tension to one of African football’s most intense rivalries. Any formal protest would likely place CAF under scrutiny regarding the consistency and transparency of its licensing procedures.

CAF has previously stressed that its licensing framework is intended to protect the integrity and financial stability of club competitions. However, enforcement across member associations has often been a point of debate among stakeholders.

For now, both clubs remain focused on their sporting campaigns, but the off-field dispute could develop further depending on CAF’s final licensing decisions in the coming months.