Zamalek football stars Nabil Emad Dunga and Mostafa Shalaby have been sentenced to one month in prison in the United Arab Emirates after an altercation with stadium security personnel. The incident has dealt a significant blow to the Egyptian Premier League club, with both players unable to return to the team as they serve their sentence.
The two Cairo-based players had hoped their apologies would be sufficient to avoid jail time, but the UAE’s judicial system has taken a stringent stance, applying local regulations rigorously.
The decision underscores the zero-tolerance approach of Emirati authorities toward offenses involving public order and security.
In response, Zamalek is expected to submit an appeal in the coming hours, aiming to reduce the punishment or secure an early release for the players.
The club hopes a favorable ruling could bring Dunga and Shalaby back to Egypt soon, although the legal process may take time.
Dunga and Shalaby have each made considerable contributions to Zamalek’s success.
Dunga, known for his role as a central midfielder, has appeared in 76 matches, scoring three goals and assisting on two others since joining the team.
Shalaby, a versatile forward, has a record of 69 appearances, contributing nine goals and 13 assists for the club.
This incident comes at a challenging time for Zamalek, as they are currently competing in domestic and international tournaments.
The absence of two key players could impact the team’s lineup and overall performance in the coming weeks, placing pressure on other squad members to fill the void left by Dunga and Shalaby.
