Zamalek resolve FIFA dispute over Mahmoud Bentayg transfer

Egyptian giants Zamalek SC have taken a major step toward restoring normality in their transfer activities after successfully resolving their dispute with French club Saint-Étienne over the transfer of Moroccan left-back Mahmoud Bentayg.

The development represents a significant breakthrough for the Cairo-based club, which has been working to settle outstanding financial obligations in an effort to lift FIFA-imposed restrictions and regain full freedom in the transfer market.

According to the latest update on FIFA’s electronic case management system, the dispute involving Saint-Étienne has been removed from Zamalek’s list of pending cases.

The removal indicates that the Egyptian club has settled the financial obligations owed to the French side in relation to Bentayg’s transfer, bringing an end to one of the legal issues that had complicated the club’s transfer activities.

The resolution is expected to play a crucial role in easing the restrictions that have affected Zamalek during the current summer transfer window.

With one of their FIFA disputes now resolved, Zamalek have moved a step closer to having any remaining transfer restrictions lifted.

The club’s hierarchy has made resolving outstanding legal and financial cases a top priority as they seek to rebuild the squad ahead of the new season.

Clearing the Saint-Étienne case strengthens the club’s position and could allow the Egyptian Premier League giants to register new signings once all remaining FIFA requirements are met.

For supporters, the development offers renewed optimism that the club will soon be able to reinforce key areas of the squad after facing limitations in recent transfer windows.

The dispute centred on the transfer of Moroccan defender Mahmoud Bentayg, whose move from Saint-Étienne to Zamalek resulted in disagreements over financial obligations between the two clubs.

After months of uncertainty, the issue has now been resolved through the settlement of the outstanding payments, prompting FIFA to remove the case from its official records.

The conclusion of the matter eliminates another legal hurdle for Zamalek as the club continues working to restore financial stability and compliance with international football regulations.

Resolving the Saint-Étienne case is part of a broader strategy by Zamalek’s management to address all pending FIFA disputes and improve the club’s standing both financially and administratively.

Club officials have been working diligently to settle outstanding debts and legal claims to ensure the team is not hampered in the transfer market.

With the new season fast approaching, lifting transfer restrictions has become essential as Zamalek aim to strengthen the squad and compete for domestic and continental honours.

The latest breakthrough is therefore viewed as a significant administrative victory, bringing the club one step closer to putting its off-field challenges behind it and allowing full attention to shift back to football.

Should the remaining issues be resolved in the coming weeks, Zamalek will be well-positioned to accelerate their recruitment plans and provide the coaching staff with the reinforcements needed for the 2026/27 campaign.