Zamalek handed two-window FIFA registration ban over Juan Bezerra instalment

Zamalek have been given a two-window transfer registration ban by FIFA after failing to pay a €200,000 instalment owed to Ukrainian club FC Oleksandriya as part of Juan Bezerra’s move to the Egyptian side.

The sanction relates to the third instalment of the transfer agreement and represents a new case against Zamalek, who are preparing for the 2026-27 season.

FIFA has issued a ruling preventing Zamalek from registering new players for two transfer windows because of the outstanding payment. The amount involved is the latest instalment due to FC Oleksandriya under the terms of Bezerra’s transfer.

FilGoal.com reported that the ban was linked specifically to the overdue third payment in the deal. The ruling adds to a series of registration disputes that have affected the Egyptian club in recent months.

FIFA’s website removed two FC Oleksandriya cases from Zamalek’s list of registration-ban disputes on 3 August. Those cases concerned money owed to the Ukrainian club from the transfer fee for Bezerra.

The two Oleksandriya cases had been the final disputes connected with Zamalek’s African licence. Zamalek had previously announced that all cases relating to the licence had been resolved, and FIFA subsequently confirmed that position.

The number of active cases that could lead to a registration ban against Zamalek has now fallen to three. One of those is a disciplinary sanction that cannot be lifted even if the club settles the associated payment.

That case concerns former Zamalek player Salah Mosadek. The nature of that sanction means it remains in place regardless of whether the outstanding amount is paid.

Zamalek are due to compete in the 2026-27 campaign, when they will take part in the league, the CAF Champions League, the Egypt Cup and the Egyptian Super Cup.

The latest ruling leaves the club facing renewed uncertainty over their ability to strengthen the squad before and during the new season. Any attempt to register new signings during the two-window period will be affected by FIFA’s decision unless the sanction is otherwise dealt with under the governing body’s procedures.

The dispute follows the earlier removal of the two Oleksandriya cases from FIFA’s records, which had appeared to indicate that the transfer-related issues connected with Bezerra’s move had been settled. The new ruling, however, concerns another payment from the same agreement and has resulted in a separate ban.

Zamalek’s registration situation therefore remains active despite the progress made in closing the previous cases. The club will now have to manage its preparations for domestic and African competition while dealing with the consequences of the outstanding €200,000 instalment.