Zamalek SC have reportedly suffered another setback following the departure of Ahmed Sayed Zizo to rivals Al Ahly SC, after claims the Cairo club will not receive significant compensation from FIFA linked to the player’s expected participation at the 2026 World Cup.
The latest development was revealed by Egyptian regulations and legal expert Amer Al-Amayreh, who stated that Zamalek would not benefit from FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme despite hopes inside the club that the tournament could generate financial returns.
Zizo recently completed a free transfer move to Al Ahly, meaning the Egyptian champions did not pay a transfer fee for the player, with the deal only involving his salary package.
The winger is expected to be part of Egypt’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. Coach Hossam Hassan has regularly relied on Zizo in recent matches, with the player viewed as an important component in implementing the national team’s tactical approach.
Zamalek Hoped for FIFA Compensation
Zamalek had hoped that Zizo’s involvement at the World Cup would entitle the club to compensation through FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme.
The initiative rewards clubs whose players are selected to represent their national teams at the World Cup and also extends to clubs linked to those players during the two-year qualification period leading up to the tournament.
Under FIFA regulations, clubs must register through an official digital platform in order to qualify for payments linked to the programme.
However, Al-Amayreh dismissed suggestions that Zamalek would secure a major financial reward from Zizo’s participation.
Writing on his personal account on social media platform X, he said: “ Zamalek Club will not receive any money from FIFA’s Club Benefits Program for Ahmed Sayed Zizo’s participation with the national team in the World Cup finals, and will only receive $2,360 for each match in which Zizo was included in the match squad in the World Cup qualifiers.”
The statement came as a major disappointment for supporters who believed the club could still gain financially from the player despite his transfer to Al Ahly.
How FIFA Calculates Club Payments
According to the structure of FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme, payments are calculated using several factors, including the number of players involved, the number of matches played and the length of time each player remains with his national team during the tournament.
The system also considers whether a player was included in official match squads during qualification and the World Cup itself.
Current projections suggest the minimum payment could reach approximately 5,000 US dollars per player per day, although final figures are expected to be confirmed after the competition ends.
FIFA has also set aside an additional reserve fund worth five million US dollars. After administrative expenses are deducted, that amount is expected to be distributed among clubs globally under an agreement involving FIFA and the European Football Club Association.
Another Chapter in the Zizo Saga
The issue adds another layer to the controversy surrounding Zizo’s departure from Zamalek to Al Ahly, one of the fiercest rivalries in African football.
His move to the “Red Castle” generated widespread debate among supporters, particularly because the transfer was completed without a transfer fee.
Now, hopes that the World Cup could soften the financial impact for Zamalek appear to have faded following Al-Amayreh’s interpretation of FIFA regulations.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching and Egypt expected to rely heavily on Zizo’s experience and versatility, attention is likely to remain fixed not only on his performances for the national team, but also on the continuing fallout from one of the most controversial transfers in Egyptian football.
