Sharjah complete registration of former Ismaily defender Abdel Karim Mostafa

Sharjah have completed the registration of Abdel Karim Mostafa, allowing the Egyptian left-back to make his debut for the UAE club in their upcoming matches.

Mostafa joined Sharjah from Ismaily at the start of the season, but his registration was delayed by the rules governing the eligibility of resident players in the UAE league.

The UAE Football Association had been waiting for a response from the Egyptian Football Association on whether Mostafa had represented Egypt in any international matches. No reply was received within 30 days, enabling Sharjah to complete the registration process.

Mostafa has been registered in the resident-player category for players born in 2003 and 2004. One of the conditions for that category is that the player must not have played an international match for his country.

If the national association fails to respond to an enquiry from the UAE Football Association within 30 days, registration approval is granted.

Sharjah agreed a deal with Ismaily to sign Mostafa for $750,000, with Ismaily also entitled to 20% of any future resale fee. The player waived the remainder of his outstanding financial dues with Ismaily as part of the move.

The 23-year-old operates as a left-back and joined Ismaily from Misr El-Makasa in January 2024.

He made 35 appearances for Ismaily in all competitions, including 28 in the league, six in the League Cup and one in the Egypt Cup.

Mostafa scored five goals during his time with the club. Three came in the league and two were scored in the League Cup.

Ismaily were relegated to the Professional League after finishing bottom of the league last season, 2025-2026.