Egyptian side Zamalek SC have been handed a fresh transfer registration ban by FIFA, with a club source attributing the latest sanction to outstanding payments owed to Tunisian player Ahmed Al-Jafali.
The decision, issued on Wednesday, prevents the club from registering new players for three consecutive transfer windows. It marks the latest in a growing list of disciplinary measures taken against the Cairo-based club over financial disputes.
Al-Jafali Case Triggers Latest Sanction
According to a source who spoke to Kora Plus, the ban is directly linked to unpaid dues relating to Al-Jafali, who recently concluded a loan spell with Saudi club Abha Club during the winter transfer window.
The development adds further strain to Zamalek’s administrative and financial situation, which has seen multiple cases raised at FIFA in recent years.
Mounting Legal Challenges
The club’s latest sanction is not an isolated incident. FIFA had already imposed registration bans in several other cases involving unpaid salaries and transfer-related obligations.
Among the most prominent disputes are those involving former head coach José Gomes and his technical staff, as well as another ban linked to former manager Christian Gross. Additionally, the club faces claims related to unpaid dues to former midfielder Ferjani Sassi.
Zamalek are also embroiled in financial disagreements with several clubs. These include Portuguese side Estrela da Amadora over the transfer of Angolan player Chico Banza, and Belgian club Royal Charleroi SC regarding the signing of Palestinian forward Oday Dabbagh.
Further cases involve Moroccan club Renaissance Zemamra over Salah Musaddiq, Ukrainian side FC Oleksandriya concerning Brazilian player Juan Bezerra, and additional disputes tied to Senegalese player Ibrahima Ndiaye.
The list extends to French club AS Saint-Étienne over Moroccan player Mahmoud Bentayg, as well as Moroccan side Ittihad Tanger concerning Abdelhamid Maali.
With the addition of the Al-Jafali case, the total number of disputes against Zamalek has now reached 14, underlining the scale of the club’s ongoing legal and financial challenges.
Focus Shifts to Domestic Competition
Despite the off-field difficulties, Zamalek continue preparations for their upcoming Egyptian Premier League fixture against Al Masry SC. The match is scheduled to take place at the Borg El Arab Stadium as part of the championship phase of the 2025–2026 season.
The encounter is set to be a crucial test for the team as they aim to remain competitive in the title race, even as administrative issues threaten to overshadow their campaign.
Uncertain Path Ahead
The accumulation of FIFA sanctions raises serious concerns about Zamalek’s ability to reinforce their squad in upcoming transfer windows. With multiple cases still unresolved, the club faces mounting pressure to settle outstanding dues and restore compliance with international regulations.
As the situation develops, attention will remain on whether Zamalek can navigate both their legal obligations and on-field ambitions, while working to bring an end to a cycle of recurring sanctions.
