Zamalek is firmly defending its decision to register Moroccan youngster Abdel Hamid Maali under the age of 18, following a five-year agreement with Ittihad Tangier.
The Cairo-based club has already reached out to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) for clarity as it looks to finalize the player’s registration.
A source at Zamalek confirmed the club had consulted multiple EFA members and was told Maali could be registered as a foreign player under 18. “Zamalek insists on its right to register Maali under the age of 18, and will officially contact the Football Association to obtain a decisive response to resolve the matter,” the source told Kooora.
Maali, born in March 2006, is 19 years old, which has sparked debate over whether he qualifies for youth or senior team registration. EFA guidelines state that youth foreign players must be born in 2007 or later, while a new competition has been introduced for the 2005 generation. Conflicting interpretations about where Maali fits have fueled uncertainty, but Zamalek remains confident in its position as it seeks a swift resolution.
