Uncertainty over Zamalek’s $1 million prize money put to rest

Zamalek SC have been at the centre of financial speculation following their defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup final against USM Alger.

Recent reports suggested that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) intended to deduct a large portion of Zamalek’s runners-up prize money due to unpaid fines from previous cases.

Zamalek lost the final on penalties after the two sides finished level 1-1 on aggregate across the two legs.

While USM Alger received the tournament winners’ prize of $4 million, Zamalek are set to receive $1 million as runners-up.

El-Ghandour denies existence of new penalties

However, Egyptian media personality Khaled El-Ghandour dismissed the rumours and insisted that no fresh deductions are currently being imposed on the club.

Speaking on the “Al-Mahwar Stadium” programme, El-Ghandour explained that previous financial matters had already been handled through earlier CAF competition rewards.

“There are no deductions or penalties against Zamalek at the moment,” he said.

“The old amounts were deducted from the bonuses of previous championships, and the Zamalek administration appealed the decisions before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”

The comments appear to ease concerns among supporters regarding the club’s financial situation following the painful continental final defeat.

Debate continues over Confederation Cup qualification spot

El-Ghandour also addressed growing uncertainty regarding which Egyptian club will qualify for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

According to the former player, the Egyptian Football Association is expected to contact CAF to clarify the issue officially.

He explained that ZED FC believe they deserve qualification based on a CAF regulation that grants the Egyptian Cup runners-up a place in the competition.

At the same time, Ceramica Cleopatra FC are also insisting on their eligibility after finishing fourth in the Egyptian Premier League standings.

The situation has created confusion regarding Egypt’s final representatives in continental competition next season, with an official CAF clarification now expected soon.