Zamalek SC are at the centre of growing uncertainty over their participation in next season’s CAF Champions League amid ongoing administrative issues that could affect their licensing status.
Media figure Ahmed Shobeir has revealed that discussions are ongoing within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding how to handle the situation, should Zamalek fail to resolve the issues that have led to a registration ban and complications over their African licence.
Speaking in televised comments, Shobeir said he consulted two sources within CAF who suggested that the governing body is reluctant to exclude a club of Zamalek’s stature from continental competition.
According to him, one source indicated that CAF could grant the Egyptian giants additional time before the tournament draw to resolve their situation, particularly if there is clear progress toward settling outstanding issues.
“The situation is confusing because of Zamalek,” Shobeir explained, adding that CAF may be willing to wait if the club shows genuine intent to resolve its problems.
A second source reportedly went further, suggesting that Zamalek would not ultimately be excluded from the competition, arguing that major clubs of their size are rarely, if ever, removed from the tournament under such circumstances.
The developments leave Zamalek’s immediate future in African competition uncertain, with final decisions expected as CAF prepares for the upcoming Champions League draw and licensing deadline period.
For now, the situation remains fluid, with both the club and governing authorities expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks as a resolution is sought.