Egyptian Football Association clears air over Zamalek’s move for Abdelhamid Maali

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has officially resolved the confusion surrounding Zamalek’s signing of Moroccan talent Abdelhamid Maali from Ittihad Tangiers.

Zamalek recently agreed a five-year deal to bring Maali to Cairo, but uncertainty spread after claims emerged that the 2006-born player had no eligible age category for registration. The club already has five foreign players aged over 18, including Mahmoud Bentayek, Ahmed El-Gafaly, Chico Banza, Seifeddine Jaziri, and Salah Musaddaq.

Concerns grew that Maali’s age could prevent his inclusion in any competitive squad. However, the EFA, through executive director Mustafa Azzam, laid the matter to rest with a public statement.

Azzam clarified that foreign players born in 2005 and later are eligible for registration starting with the second-team roster. He added that this group also represents the under-20 national team.

“This is the age group for which the association has created a competition during the new season with the aim of preserving this generation of players,” Azzam stated, adding that other clubs have already registered foreign players in this age category.