FIFA has ruled in favor of Senegalese forward Ibrahima Ndiaye in a financial dispute with Zamalek SC, ordering the Egyptian club to pay $1.8 million (approximately 1.1 billion CFA francs) in outstanding salary dues.
Ndiaye, who currently plays for Saudi club Al-Hazem, had taken his case to world football’s governing body after claiming unpaid wages during his time at Zamalek.
The ruling comes as a significant blow to the Cairo-based club, which could now face serious consequences if it fails to comply. The financial penalty stems from Ndiaye’s tenure at Zamalek, where he played for two seasons following his transfer from Swiss side FC Lucerne in August 2022.
Having previously represented Senegal at U23 level, the forward had also played for local clubs Jaraaf and Linguère de Saint-Louis before making his move abroad.
Zamalek to Appeal the Decision
Following FIFA’s verdict, Zamalek’s management has expressed its intention to appeal the decision in an effort to reduce or overturn the payment order. Additionally, the club is reportedly seeking direct negotiations with Ndiaye in hopes of reaching an amicable settlement.
However, if no resolution is found swiftly, Zamalek could face restrictions in the upcoming transfer window, potentially preventing them from registering new players.
This latest development adds to Zamalek’s growing financial and administrative challenges. The club has faced multiple financial disputes in recent years, with similar cases involving unpaid wages leading to FIFA sanctions.
Failure to meet the payment deadline could result in further disciplinary measures, including a potential transfer ban or even point deductions in domestic competitions.
Potential Impact on Zamalek’s Future
As one of Egypt’s most successful clubs, Zamalek now faces the pressing task of resolving this financial dispute without further destabilizing their squad.
The club’s ability to reinforce its team ahead of the next season could be significantly hindered if the ruling is not addressed promptly.
With the appeal process set to unfold in the coming weeks, Zamalek will be hoping for a favorable outcome, while Ndiaye remains firm in his demand for the salary he claims he is owed.