Zamalek board member Hussein El-Sayed has rejected claims that former sporting director John Edward encouraged players to rebel against the Egyptian club’s management.
The controversy follows a period of tension at Zamalek in which several players reportedly refused to attend training, including Juan Bezerra, Abdullah Al-Saeed and Chico Panza.
Edward had previously left his position as the club’s sporting director after disagreements with the board, led by Hussein Labib.
His departure, followed by the player unrest, prompted speculation over whether the former sporting director had played a role in encouraging members of the squad to take action against the club’s management.
But El-Sayed has now dismissed those claims, defending Edward and saying he did not believe the former sporting director would engage in such behaviour.
Speaking through the “Zamalek App”, El-Sayed was asked directly whether Edward was responsible for the actions of some players.
“John Edward is not a child to do such things. I have dealt with him and he is a respectable person who does his job to the fullest, he and his team.”
El-Sayed’s comments represent a clear rejection of suggestions that Edward had attempted to influence the players during the dispute.
El-Sayed maintains contact with Edward’s team
Despite Edward’s departure from Zamalek, El-Sayed said he remains in contact with members of the former sporting director’s team.
He specifically referred to Abdul Rahman Ismail, the club’s contracts manager, saying he continues to communicate with him when information is needed about particular matters.
“I am still in contact with John Edward’s team, such as Abdul Rahman Ismail, the contracts manager, if I want to get any information on any file.”
The comments indicate that the club’s relationship with members of Edward’s former team has not completely broken down despite the disagreements that led to the sporting director leaving his position.
El-Sayed’s remarks also suggest that he does not consider Edward’s departure a reason to sever communication with those who worked alongside him.
The controversy comes as Zamalek attempts to manage several issues surrounding its squad.
Player unrest adds pressure
The claims involving Edward emerged after a number of Zamalek players refused to participate in training.
Juan Bezerra, Abdullah Al-Saeed and Chico Panza were among those identified as having declined to join the team’s training sessions.
The situation has added another issue for the club’s board to address as it prepares for its upcoming league commitments.
However, El-Sayed has sought to separate the player unrest from Edward’s departure, insisting that the former sporting director was not the person behind the actions of the players.
His defence of Edward also comes despite the fact that the sporting director left Zamalek following disagreements with the board headed by Hussein Labib.
The board member offered no suggestion that Edward had encouraged players to take action against the club.
Instead, he described the former sporting director as a respectable professional who carried out his responsibilities with his team.
El-Sayed addresses Zamalek’s transfer situation
El-Sayed also spoke about Zamalek’s ability to conduct player transfers.
The club is currently affected by a transfer ban, limiting its ability to make moves in the market.
“I cannot sell any player because of the transfer ban.”
The statement highlights the restrictions facing the club as it attempts to manage its squad.
Zamalek’s board must therefore deal with the consequences of the transfer ban while also attempting to maintain stability within the team.
El-Sayed also looked beyond the immediate challenges facing the club and addressed the future of the current board.
“When we leave next year (the end of the current board’s term), I promise that we will leave the club without any issues, God willing.”
His comments underline the board’s stated intention to leave Zamalek in stable condition when its current term ends.
Zamalek prepare for league fixture
Amid the off-field controversy, Zamalek are preparing for their next Egyptian League fixture.
They are scheduled to face Alexandria Union on 21 August 2026, with kick-off set for 20:00.
The club will therefore have to turn its attention back to competitive matters while the board continues to address issues surrounding the squad.
For now, El-Sayed’s intervention has provided Zamalek’s response to the allegations involving Edward.
The board member has firmly rejected the suggestion that the former sporting director encouraged players to rebel, while confirming that he continues to communicate with members of Edward’s former team.
