Ndiaye wages dispute: Zamalek move closer to settlement with former forward before CAF deadline

Zamalek are edging towards a final settlement with former forward Ibrahima Ndiaye over his unpaid wages, with both sides understood to be close to resolving a long-running financial dispute that is crucial to the club’s African participation next season.

The Senegalese player is owed $1.7m in outstanding payments, and Zamalek must settle the issue by 25 July in order to secure the club licensing needed to compete in CAF competitions.

A source close to Ndiaye told FilGoal.com there had been a notable breakthrough in recent hours between the player and Zamalek’s hierarchy as efforts intensified to close the case.

“There is a convergence of views between the player and officials of the White Castle, in recent hours, as part of the ongoing moves to end the crisis over his financial dues,” the source said.

The same source confirmed that negotiations have progressed positively and that an agreement on a payment schedule is now within reach.

Legal team steps up talks

The discussions are being led on Zamalek’s side by lawyer Nasr Azzam, who has been appointed by the club’s board to handle the Ndiaye file, together with former board member Amr El Ganainy.

Both have been in direct contact with Ndiaye’s agent, Yehia Ali, in an attempt to finalise terms that would see the outstanding sum restructured and paid in instalments.

The source added: “Nasr Azzam, the lawyer assigned by Zamalek’s management to resolve the case, along with former board member Amr El Ganainy, made calls with the player’s agent Yehia Ali to reach a final agreement on rescheduling Ndiaye’s dues and ending the crisis.

“The negotiations are proceeding positively, and both parties are now close to a final settlement, which would pave the way to drawing a line under the player’s dues crisis in the coming period.”

An official source at Zamalek had previously indicated to FilGoal.com that talks with Ndiaye’s camp were moving in a constructive direction.

Ndiaye’s spell at Zamalek

Ndiaye joined Zamalek in the summer of 2022 from Swiss side Luzern and left the Cairo club in the summer of 2024.

During his two-year stint, he made 52 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists.

His most notable achievement with the club came in the 2023-24 season, when he helped Zamalek win the CAF Confederation Cup.

CAF licence still at stake

Zamalek have publicly stressed the importance of resolving all FIFA-related financial disputes ahead of their return to the CAF Champions League.

The club announced via its official “Zamalkawy” application that it had cleared all FIFA cases directly linked to obtaining its African licence for next season’s Champions League.

According to the announcement, Zamalek’s active cases at FIFA have been reduced and now stand at five, including one disciplinary case involving a transfer registration ban.

However, two files remain directly tied to the club’s eligibility for CAF competitions: the case of Juan Pizarro’s transfer from Ukrainian club Oleksandriya, and the outstanding dues owed to Ibrahima Ndiaye.

With the CAF licensing deadline approaching, successfully concluding the Ndiaye settlement is seen within the club as a key step towards ensuring Zamalek can participate in African competitions in 2024-25.