Al Ittihad Alexandria to appeal FIFA transfer ban over Favour Akem ruling

Al Ittihad Alexandria president Mohamed Ahmed Salama says the club will appeal a FIFA decision that has suspended its player registration rights over unpaid money owed to former winger Favour Akem.

FIFA ruled that Al Ittihad Alexandria must serve a registration ban after failing to settle the Nigerian player’s outstanding dues. The sanction will cover three consecutive registration periods.

The club’s registration rights will be restored immediately once the amount ruled to be payable has been settled.

The decision orders Al Ittihad Alexandria to pay Favour Akem $91,000, in addition to 60,000 Egyptian pounds.

“Favour Akem had a problem with Tamer Mustafa, who was the team’s manager during their time together,” Salama told FilGoal.com.

“I tried to resolve the matter amicably with the player and his agent, but I was surprised by their excessive demands.”

Salama added: “The FIFA ruling is preliminary and we will appeal it. If the final decision is in his favour, we will pay the amount owed.”

Akem joined Al Ittihad Alexandria on loan from Ceramica Cleopatra for six months, arriving in the summer of 2025 and remaining with the club until winter 2026.

The 22-year-old subsequently moved to Abu Qir Fertilizers as a free agent last summer. During his spell with Al Ittihad Alexandria, the left winger made 14 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

The club had previously been handed a three-period registration ban by FIFA in a separate case involving Namory Traore.

At that time, Mohamed Salama said: “Al Ittihad’s registration has been suspended because of $3,500 in outstanding dues owed to Namory Traore. The amount will be paid as soon as possible to resolve the registration suspension.”

The latest ruling means the club faces another restriction over player registration while the appeal process continues.

Al Ittihad Alexandria are sixth in the Egyptian Premier League table with 10 points.