FIFA has imposed a three-transfer-window ban on Zamalek from registering new players, dealing a fresh setback to the Egyptian club as it continues to navigate a series of legal and financial cases.
The world governing body confirmed the sanction on Wednesday, 1 July, through its official website, where it listed the registration restriction without identifying the party responsible for initiating the case that led to the punishment.
The decision means Zamalek will be unable to register new signings for three consecutive registration periods unless the issue behind the sanction is resolved.
The latest development comes despite the club having previously settled several outstanding disputes in recent months.
FIFA confirms sanction without further details
FIFA announced the registration ban by updating its official records to show that Zamalek has been prohibited from registering new players for three transfer windows.
However, the governing body did not provide additional information regarding the specific case that resulted in the disciplinary measure.
No explanation was offered concerning the claimant behind the complaint, leaving uncertainty over the circumstances that prompted the latest sanction.
The decision nevertheless adds to the growing list of legal matters involving the Cairo-based club.
Number of cases reaches 16
According to the latest update, the number of cases involving Zamalek has now risen to 16.
The figure reflects ongoing legal challenges despite the club’s recent efforts to resolve several disputes that had previously been brought before FIFA.
In recent months, Zamalek managed to reach settlements in a number of outstanding cases, reducing some of the pressure surrounding its financial obligations.
Those efforts, however, have not prevented the club from facing another registration restriction.
Previous disputes successfully resolved
Among the cases that Zamalek has already settled were those involving members of the coaching staff who worked under former head coach Jose Gomes.
The club also resolved the case concerning Benin striker Samson Akinola and reached an agreement over the outstanding dues linked to former head coach Christian Gross.
In addition, Zamalek settled financial obligations owed to Portuguese club Estrela da Amadora relating to the transfer of Angolan player Chico Banza.
The Egyptian side also completed payments due to Belgian club Charleroi in connection with the transfer of Palestinian forward Oday Dabbagh.
Further resolutions included outstanding financial issues involving former Zamalek player Omar Faraj and current squad member Ahmed Al-Jafali of Tunisia.
Fresh challenge for the club
Although those settlements demonstrated progress in addressing a number of longstanding disputes, FIFA’s latest decision indicates that further issues remain unresolved.
The newly imposed three-window registration ban represents another challenge for Zamalek as the club seeks to stabilise its legal and administrative position.
With 16 cases now recorded, the club faces the task of resolving the latest matter if it hopes to restore its ability to strengthen the squad during future transfer windows.
FIFA has yet to provide any further clarification regarding the specific basis for the sanction or the timeline for any possible resolution, leaving Zamalek awaiting further developments after another significant disciplinary measure.
