Zamalek win initial legal battle as Zizo plans CAS appeal

Zamalek have announced that the Egyptian Football Association’s Players’ Affairs Committee has dismissed a complaint filed by former winger Ahmed Mostafa “Zizo” over outstanding financial dues, with the player’s camp confirming it will appeal the ruling before taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Egyptian club said it had received official notification from the Football Association confirming that the committee had reviewed submissions from both parties before deciding to close the case.

The dispute stems from Zizo’s departure from Zamalek at the expiry of his contract in the summer of 2025, when he completed a free transfer to rivals Al Ahly.

Long-running dispute continues

Zizo had lodged the complaint seeking payment of what he claims are outstanding financial entitlements following his exit from the club.

Zamalek, meanwhile, had also filed a separate complaint against the Egypt international over his absence from training during the final period of his contract.

The latest ruling represents an early victory for the Cairo giants, but it is unlikely to bring the dispute to an end.

Player’s father vows to appeal

Zizo’s father and agent, Mostafa Zizo, said the family would challenge the decision through the Egyptian Football Association before taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary.

“We will appeal the Football Association’s decision, and then we will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and we will uphold the player’s full rights.”

He explained that the complaint had been submitted on 8 April 2025, with a hearing initially scheduled for September. According to him, a decision had been expected in November before being delayed after the Players’ Affairs Committee completed its term without issuing a ruling.

Mostafa Zizo said the family was surprised by the committee’s eventual decision to dismiss the complaint.

Disagreement over financial claims

The player’s father also questioned Zamalek’s financial claims against his son.

He said the club was seeking 60 million Egyptian pounds over Zizo’s appearance on a television programme and in a commercial advertisement, arguing that any amount owed to the club, if applicable, would not exceed 20%.

He reiterated that the player’s legal team would continue pursuing the matter until every legal avenue had been exhausted, insisting they were prepared to take the case to CAS in a bid to secure what they believe are Zizo’s rightful dues.