Zamalek players have reportedly been left surprised after the club decided to pay only 25% of outstanding dues from last season, as the Egyptian side continues to balance financial commitments ahead of the new campaign.
The decision, approved by club president Hussein Labib and the board, comes at a time when Zamalek are working to meet a series of financial obligations linked to player payments, club licensing and preparations for the new season.
According to a source within the team, the announcement caught many members of the squad off guard, with several having expected a significantly larger settlement before pre-season preparations gathered pace.
The source told WinWin that players had anticipated receiving either all of the outstanding payments owed from the previous campaign or, at the very least, around 75% of the arrears.
Those expectations had been shaped by earlier assurances that the issue of unpaid dues would be addressed gradually, allowing players to enter the new season without uncertainty over outstanding financial matters.
Instead, they were informed that only a quarter of the unpaid amounts would be released at this stage.
The reported reaction within the dressing room reflected disappointment rather than anticipation, with players having hoped to draw a line under the issue before shifting their full attention to preparations for the forthcoming season.
Despite the decision, club officials have reportedly assured the squad that resolving the issue of unpaid dues remains one of the administration’s priorities.
According to sources, the board has stressed that it is continuing efforts to secure the financial resources required to meet its obligations in the coming months.
Alongside the remaining arrears from last season, the club must also provide players with an advance payment equivalent to 25% of their contracts for the new campaign.
Meeting both commitments simultaneously has added to the financial pressures facing the club as it prepares for another domestic and continental season.
The latest payment decision comes against the backdrop of a challenging financial period for Zamalek.
In recent weeks, the club has allocated significant funds to resolve several outstanding matters in order to secure the licence required to participate in the CAF Champions League.
Those expenditures have consumed a substantial portion of the club’s available resources, forcing the administration to carefully manage its remaining finances.
Club officials are also continuing to work on raising additional funds to settle other financial obligations.
These include payments connected to existing legal rulings and ongoing cases, as well as requirements that must be fulfilled before the registration window can be fully opened.
Completing those financial commitments is viewed as essential if Zamalek are to strengthen their squad through new signings before the start of the season.
The club therefore faces the challenge of balancing immediate sporting ambitions with the financial demands associated with player contracts, licensing requirements and administrative obligations.
While the initial payment of 25% has disappointed some within the squad, the administration has sought to reassure players that further payments remain part of its plans once additional funding becomes available.
For now, however, the club’s immediate priority appears to be maintaining financial stability while ensuring it satisfies the regulatory requirements needed to compete in continental competition and complete its transfer business before the new season begins.
