Zamalek have been handed a fresh transfer ban by FIFA after failing to fulfil financial obligations owed to former Moroccan striker Khalid Boutaïb.
This marks the second time in as many years that the Egyptian giants have been sanctioned by world football’s governing body.
The latest penalty, which applies solely to the upcoming summer transfer window, was triggered by the club’s delayed payment of a substantial compensation package owed to the former Pau FC forward.
In April 2024, FIFA imposed a three-window transfer ban on Zamalek for breaching contract terms related to Boutaïb’s departure.
The player, who represented Morocco 20 times and scored eight international goals, had sought €2.4 million in compensation after his contract with the Cairo-based club was terminated prematurely. He had joined Zamalek in January 2019 and remained with the side until January 2020.
While Zamalek have since made partial payments, the club reportedly still owes €983,000 to the player. This outstanding balance has now led FIFA to take further action.
The Moroccan, who turns 38 this Thursday, continues to await the full settlement of his claim.
Board member Amr Adham addressed the matter publicly, downplaying the severity of the situation. He assured supporters that the issue was being resolved and that the remaining amount would soon be transferred to Boutaïb.
He also expressed confidence that the current transfer restriction would be lifted once the payment was completed.
Boutaïb’s stint at Zamalek yielded mixed results. He featured in 24 matches, scoring five goals and contributing two assists.
Despite his relatively short time at the club, he played a part in Zamalek’s 2019 CAF Confederation Cup triumph, which remains his only major silverware with the team.
The club’s inability to meet its contractual commitments has once again placed it under scrutiny. FIFA’s ruling reflects the governing body’s growing emphasis on the enforcement of player rights and club accountability.
For Zamalek, the timing of the ban is particularly inconvenient. The club recently lifted the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup and will now face the challenge of preparing for the new season without being able to make new signings during the summer window.
With ambitions of domestic and continental success, the limitation could significantly affect squad planning and performance.
This incident adds to a series of off-field complications that have plagued Zamalek in recent seasons. Supporters and analysts have called for greater transparency and financial discipline from the club’s leadership to prevent recurring administrative errors that continue to cost the team on and off the pitch.
While the club works to resolve the issue swiftly, Khalid Boutaïb’s case serves as a clear reminder of the lasting consequences that can result from unresolved disputes between players and management.
