Zamalek hit with 18th FIFA ban as financial troubles deepen

World football governing body FIFA has imposed another transfer ban on Zamalek SC, preventing the Egyptian giants from registering new players for three transfer windows as the number of cases against the club continues to rise.

The latest sanction, recorded as case No. 16 on May 6, further compounds Zamalek’s growing financial and administrative troubles, with the Cairo-based side facing multiple disputes involving unpaid dues to former coaches, players and clubs.

While neither FIFA nor Zamalek immediately released official details regarding the newest ruling, reports suggest the case is tied to unpaid compensation owed to former Belgian coach Yannick Ferrera and members of his technical staff. The outstanding amount is believed to be approximately $400,000, with the ruling reportedly becoming final after the club failed to lodge an appeal.

The latest development follows another recent FIFA case involving Brazilian player Juan Bezerra’s transfer from Ukrainian club FC Oleksandriya. Filed on April 29, the complaint concerns an unpaid instalment of around $300,000, while further payments linked to the same transfer remain under dispute.

Zamalek’s legal and financial difficulties have intensified over recent months.

On November 3, 2025, FIFA issued three separate sanctions against the club over unpaid salaries owed to assistants of former coach José Gomes. Those claims reportedly ranged between $60,000 and $70,000, excluding interest, while additional payments owed directly to Gomes also remain unresolved.

Later in November, the club was handed another sanction over delayed payments to former coach Christian Gross, estimated at roughly $133,000. Former Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi also filed a separate complaint seeking around $505,000 in unpaid wages.

Beyond coaching and player disputes, Zamalek are facing claims connected to transfer agreements with several clubs.

The Egyptian side reportedly owes €200,000 to Portuguese club C.F. Estrela da Amadora for the transfer of Chico Banza, €170,000 to Belgian outfit Royal Charleroi SC relating to Oday Dabbagh’s move, and €500,000 to French side AS Saint-Étienne over Mahmoud Bentayg’s transfer.

Additional financial obligations are also understood to exist in favour of Tunisian player Ahmed Jefali.

Collectively, the club is estimated to require approximately $6.17 million, equivalent to nearly EGP 330 million, to settle all pending cases and secure the lifting of FIFA’s transfer restrictions.

Ferrera, who departed Zamalek in November 2025 after a short spell in charge, oversaw 11 league matches, recording five victories, four draws and two defeats. He also guided the club past Somalia’s Dekedaha in the CAF Confederation Cup round of 32 to secure qualification to the group stage.

Despite the mounting off-field challenges, Zamalek continue preparations for Saturday’s first-leg CAF Confederation Cup final against Algeria’s USM Alger, with the club hoping to balance continental ambitions against growing financial pressure.