Zamalek president reveals $7m debt, registration ban battle and boardroom divisions

Zamalek president Hussein Labib has admitted that his board made mistakes in its management of the Egyptian club, revealing that it has accumulated new debts estimated at between $6m and $7m.

Labib made the revelations during an appearance on On Sport television, where he discussed the club’s financial situation, administrative challenges, transfer decisions and plans for the future.

The Zamalek chief acknowledged that he was dissatisfied with certain aspects of his administration, admitting that he would make changes to the composition of the board if given another opportunity.

His comments also highlighted the financial difficulties facing the Cairo-based club, despite efforts to settle a significant portion of the debts inherited when the current administration took office.

Labib admits mistakes in board composition

Reflecting on his time in charge, Labib admitted that the composition of the board had not worked as expected.

He explained that internal disagreements involving some members had affected the relationship within the administration.

According to the president, one or three members had struggled to get along with the rest of the board.

Asked to assess his administration’s performance, Labib gave it a rating of no more than 4 out of 10, reflecting his assessment of the challenges encountered during his tenure.

He also identified the withdrawal of Zamalek’s land in 6th of October City as the worst moment of his presidency.

Zamalek struggling with debts approaching $7m

The club’s financial position was another major subject addressed by Labib.

He revealed that his administration had accumulated new debts estimated at between $6m and $7m, despite having repaid a substantial portion of the financial obligations inherited from the previous administration.

Labib explained that Zamalek took over a club facing serious financial difficulties, with outstanding obligations exceeding two billion Egyptian pounds.

He said the administration had managed to repay nearly one billion pounds but acknowledged that further financial challenges remained.

Some of the new debts, according to Labib, were connected to contractual commitments and financial plans that did not materialise as expected.

He cited the agreement with Bezerra club over the value of a deal, which had been based on anticipated revenues from the land in 6th of October City before its withdrawal disrupted the club’s financial calculations.

The president added that Zamalek had yet to secure the necessary approvals to obtain alternative land in the Fifth Settlement to compensate for part of the losses.

He also explained that the club was exploring solutions aimed at achieving financial stability and ensuring that the next administration would not inherit similar difficulties.

Labib addresses Maali case and registration ban

Labib also discussed the situation involving Abdel Hamid Maali, dismissing suggestions that the failure to translate a FIFA letter was responsible for the dispute.

He explained that Zamalek had appealed the penalty before reaching a settlement agreement with the player and taking the matter to the Sports Court.

The club also requested a suspension of the disciplinary sanction, but the court rejected the request despite the payment of the player’s outstanding dues.

Labib insisted that the translation issue had not been raised during the proceedings.

He further revealed that the administration was working to overturn the registration ban before the next winter transfer window.

However, the International Sports Court had not yet set a date to hear the case, leaving the club facing uncertainty over its plans for the upcoming transfer period.

Labib discusses Imam Ashour, Zizo and Ben Sharqi

The Zamalek president also reflected on some of the club’s previous transfer decisions, identifying the departures of Imam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Ashraf Ben Sharqi as significant losses.

He ruled out the possibility of Zizo returning to the team and denied attempting to sign players from traditional rivals Al-Ahly in response to the transfer of players between the two clubs.

Labib also explained that he did not intend to repeat the experience of recruiting players from the Red Castle, having observed that some footballers who moved between the two sides struggled in their new surroundings.

Mamoush Abbas’ role and indoor sports challenges

Labib denied that businessman Mamdouh Abbas interferes in decisions taken by Zamalek’s board.

He described their relationship as one based on discussions and the exchange of opinions, noting that Abbas is a supporter of the club rather than someone who imposes decisions on the administration.

The president also thanked him for his substantial financial contributions, stressing that the money was provided as donations and did not constitute debts owed by Zamalek.

On the club’s struggles in indoor sports, Labib attributed the difficulties to the absence of properly established teams, coaches and youth development structures when the current administration assumed responsibility.

He also acknowledged mistakes in selecting certain coaches and players but insisted that steps had already been taken to restore Zamalek’s position in those disciplines.

Zamalek prepare for African competition

Turning to football, Labib described Zamalek’s group in African competitions as difficult but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to reach the final.

He also identified the need to strengthen the midfield and wide attacking positions while suggesting that the team required a change in its playing approach.

Regarding head coach Motamed Gamal, Labib explained that the decision to conduct training sessions outside the club’s headquarters was a matter for the technical director.

The president also addressed the upcoming club elections, describing discussions about the process as premature. He added that no member had yet approached him for consultations but promised to announce his position on the presidential candidates at the appropriate time.

Labib concluded by insisting that there was no breakdown in relations between the administrations of Zamalek and Al-Ahly.

His comments brought renewed attention to the financial and administrative challenges facing one of Egypt’s most prominent football clubs as the current leadership looks to address its outstanding obligations and prepare for the next phase.