Zamalek’s decision to postpone the players’ return to group training is not connected to delayed financial dues, despite reports suggesting that unpaid money was behind the change, a club source has told WinWin.
Recent reports had claimed that the players’ outstanding payments had caused a disagreement at the club and led to the postponement of the team’s return to training.
However, a source inside Zamalek denied that explanation, saying the decision was made by technical director Moataz Gamal as part of the team’s rest schedule.
According to information obtained by WinWin, Gamal decided to extend the players’ break by one day, meaning they will have five days of rest instead of the four originally planned.
The players are therefore expected to return to group training on Tuesday as scheduled under the revised timetable.
The source also provided an update on the issue of the players’ financial dues, confirming that the club is preparing to make a payment in the coming hours.
Zamalek players are expected to receive part of their outstanding dues on Tuesday or, at the latest, the following day.
The payment is expected to come after the club receives the first part of the proceeds from the sale of Juan Bezerra. Part of the money from that deal has been allocated towards settling the players’ financial commitments.
The source therefore stressed that the decision to delay the return to training should not be linked to the payment situation.
Instead, the additional day of rest was a technical decision taken by Gamal, while the club continues preparations to pay part of the outstanding amounts owed to the squad.
Zamalek will return to training on Tuesday as preparations begin for the resumption of competitive football after the international break.
The team is preparing for matches in both the Egypt Cup and Egyptian Premier League once domestic football resumes.
The international break includes two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches for the Egypt national team.
Zamalek head into the break after securing a 1-0 victory over Ghazl El Mahalla in the fifth round of the Premier League.
The match was played at Ghazl El Mahalla Stadium, with the victory taking Zamalek’s tally to 13 points after five matches.
The result has kept the White Knights involved in the competition at the top end of the league table.
Their next major league test will come after the international break when they face Al-Ahly on 11 October.
For now, Zamalek’s immediate focus is on returning to training and preparing for the next stage of the season, while the club also works to make the expected payment towards the players’ outstanding dues.
