Zamalek chairman Hussein Labib says John Edward could return as sporting director

Zamalek chairman Hussein Labib says he would bring back John Edward as sporting director if the club’s interests required it, despite the former official leaving the role before the start of the current season.

Labib said Zamalek had failed to reach agreement with Edward on several matters, while Edward had insisted on some demands. He rejected claims that Edward’s departure was caused by his wish to remove the board from football-related decisions.

“If Zamalek’s interests require John Edward’s return, I will bring him back,” Labib told On Sport. “I met him recently, just as I meet many former and current officials. John Edward has some outstanding payments and is asking to receive them.”

The chairman also addressed calls from supporters for an internal investigation into player fines and legal cases involving the club.

“There is a legal adviser responsible for this file and I do not interfere in it,” he said. “He has the freedom to summon whoever he wants for questioning. It is a good thing to reach the truth and identify who was responsible.”

Labib said the investigation would also examine responsibility for the cases involving foreign players, including Omar Faraj, Abdelhamid Maali and Salah Mosadek.

“This is the responsibility of the board of directors,” he said. “The investigation is open so we can establish the truth about every player and anyone who failed to carry out their duties. However, the board is responsible, directly or indirectly.”

Labib added that he could not promise to leave the club without legal cases or to settle all related debts because the investigation had not yet reached a conclusion.

“I cannot promise that I will leave the club without cases or without paying the debts arising from them, because I do not yet know the outcome of the investigation,” he said. “But I promise that we will reach the truth and determine how to deal with it.”

Moataz Gamal support

Labib explained that his continued support for head coach Moataz Gamal was based on the manager’s quality, commitment to Zamalek and record of achievements.

“There have been many injuries and challenges for him,” Labib said. “No coach could achieve more than that. His results are very good, but we discuss these matters with him normally.”

He said Gamal had neither accepted nor rejected the prospect of working with a foreign assistant, adding that he did not want to impose anyone on the manager.

“I do not prefer to impose someone on him, because in that case I would not be able to hold him accountable,” Labib said. “We are discussing it and negotiating to find the best formula. I am certain that he puts Zamalek’s interests above everything.”

Hossam El-Zanaty has not yet made a decision on his position, Labib said, adding: “I hope he will be there, but the matter is currently closed.”

Labib admitted Zamalek had performed poorly against Egypt Insurance, saying Gamal had acknowledged that and the two would discuss the situation.

He declined to discuss why the club’s pre-season preparations had started late, saying he would keep his response to himself. Labib also denied that the players had refused to begin preparations until they received outstanding payments, insisting they had helped Zamalek win last season’s “miraculous” league title.

Labib became Zamalek chairman in October 2023 after receiving 15,229 votes, the second-highest total among the candidates.