The Egyptian Football Association’s (EFA) registration rules for the upcoming season have ignited debate around the potential signing of Moroccan midfielder Abdelhamid Maali, who is poised to join Zamalek from Ittihad Tangier.
Central to the controversy is whether Maali will be listed on Zamalek’s senior team roster or categorized within the youth squads, contrary to earlier reports suggesting the latter.
Tensions escalated after the EFA outlined in its registration guidelines that clubs may register up to three foreign players per youth age group. These categories include players born between 2007 and 2012.
Additionally, the EFA confirmed a separate competition for players born in 2005, allowing each team to register 25 players in this age bracket.
However, interpretations vary on whether foreign players born in 2005 are eligible to be registered within the youth ranks.
An insider from the Egyptian Football Association speaking to Kooora hinted that the current regulations do permit foreign players born in 2005 to be registered as underage players.
He explained, “If the deal goes through, Maali will be registered as a junior player rather than occupying a slot reserved for foreign players over 18.”
