Egypt FA denies contacting Zamalek’s Mahmoud Bentayg over switch to Egypt

The Egyptian Football Association has denied contacting Zamalek defender Mahmoud Bentayg about obtaining Egyptian nationality and representing the Egypt national team.

A source within the association told FilGoal.com: “We have not contacted the Moroccan Mahmoud Bentayg, Zamalek’s player, about obtaining Egyptian nationality and representing the national team.”

The source added: “It is not true that we proposed he represent Egypt instead of Morocco.”

The denial follows comments from Bentayg’s agent, Youssef Msaad, who previously said the left-back was considering whether to play for Egypt rather than Morocco.

Msaad told Moroccan newspaper Al3omq: “I could not understand Bentayg’s omission from Morocco’s latest squad. He has won the Egyptian Premier League’s Player of the Month award twice and also made an impressive start to the season with Zamalek.”

He added: “Some Egyptian officials suggested that Bentayg obtain Egyptian nationality and represent the national team. The player is considering the matter, although representing Morocco had been his priority.”

“What I can say is that Bentayg has been a victim of neglect by the national team for years, whether under Walid Regragui or Mohamed Ouahbi, while I believe the squad that was selected raises many questions,” Msaad said.

Bentayg was not included in Morocco’s squad for the next international break.

The defender has previously represented Morocco’s local national team at Arab Cup 2025.

His recent club form has included a decisive contribution for Zamalek against Ghazl El Mahalla. Bentayg won a penalty in the match, which was converted by Ahmed Sherif, and was subsequently named Player of the Match.

Zamalek won the Egyptian Premier League fixture 1-0 in the fifth round.