Will Zamalek receive CAF relief and could Al Ahly replace them in Africa?

Questions continue to grow over Zamalek’s participation in next season’s CAF Champions League as the Egyptian giants battle serious administrative and financial issues linked to FIFA registration bans.

The White Knights secured qualification for Africa’s premier club competition after winning the Egyptian Premier League title last season for the first time since the 2021/22 campaign. However, the club currently faces registration suspensions in 18 separate cases, placing its continental license under threat according to CAF regulations.

The situation became even more controversial after Egyptian Clubs Association board member Tharwat Sweilem claimed that Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abu Rida could use his influence to help Zamalek secure participation in the competition. His comments sparked debate over whether exceptions could be made for the Cairo-based club.

Legal expert explains CAF licensing rules

Speaking to Kooora, Lebanese international lawyer and sports legal expert Ralph Charbel clarified the legal position surrounding the issue and explained whether Al Ahly could benefit if Zamalek fail to obtain a license.

Charbel stated that CAF regulations are very clear regarding club licensing. According to Articles 59 to 63 of the CAF Club Licensing Regulations, clubs must prove by March 31 each year that they have no outstanding debts. If debts exist, the club is granted a grace period until May 31 to either settle the payments, reach agreements with creditors, or show that the matter remains under legal appeal.

He explained that only confirmed debts with final rulings are considered binding under CAF regulations. If a club appeals a ruling before a competent court, the debt is no longer treated as final, meaning CAF cannot automatically deny the club a license.

Deadline remains crucial for Zamalek

The legal expert stressed that Zamalek must provide evidence before the deadline showing that outstanding debts have either been paid or restructured through agreements with creditors. Failure to do so would prevent the club from participating in the CAF Champions League or any CAF-organised competition.

Charbel also dismissed suggestions that exceptions could be made for Zamalek due to their status in Egyptian football. According to him, the only possible intervention from football officials would involve helping the club reach amicable settlements with players and creditors.

“I think what he means is to intervene between the creditor players and Zamalek Club to find an amicable settlement regarding the players’ dues that would allow Zamalek to obtain the license,” Charbel explained.

Could CAF extend the deadline?

Although May 31 remains the official deadline, the lawyer noted that CAF’s Executive Committee has the authority to extend the period under exceptional circumstances through Articles 68 and 69 of the regulations. Reports in Egyptian media have suggested that CAF could push the deadline to the end of June.

However, Charbel warned that such decisions cannot be taken arbitrarily because they remain subject to appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

What happens if Zamalek fail to qualify?

Attention has also turned to Al Ahly’s possible involvement if Zamalek fail to meet the requirements. Al Ahly finished third in the Egyptian Premier League, behind champions Zamalek and runners-up Pyramids FC.

According to Charbel, if Zamalek lose their place due to licensing issues, the most logical and fair solution would be for the next eligible club in the standings to qualify instead.

“Yes, it is natural for the team that is closest to qualifying for the tournament to participate, as that is the fairest solution, provided that it meets the imposed conditions,” he said.

The lawyer added that if no club from a country meets CAF’s licensing standards, the federation could lose representation entirely. He pointed to Gambia during the 2024/25 season as an example, where no club participated in CAF competitions because licensing conditions were not met.

Advice for clubs facing financial challenges

Charbel concluded by advising Arab clubs to avoid entering contracts beyond their financial capabilities and recommended that teams maintain permanent legal supervision to handle disputes and prevent future sanctions.