Speculation over Zamalek’s next presidential election has intensified more than a year before voting is due to take place, with several prominent figures being linked to a possible contest for control of the Egyptian club.
The discussion has been fuelled by reports from within Zamalek’s headquarters in Mit Okba that chairman Hussein Labib may not seek another term because of health concerns.
Labib was elected president of Zamalek in October 2023, with the club’s next elections expected after the completion of the current four-year board term.
Although no formal candidacies have been announced, the increasing visibility of several club officials has prompted questions over who may seek the presidency if Labib decides not to stand again.
Vice-president Hisham Nasr has become one of the most frequently mentioned names, while former chairman Mortada Mansour, treasurer Hossam Al-Mandouh and other figures have also been linked with possible ambitions.
Nasr’s growing role attracts attention
Hisham Nasr’s involvement in several club matters has led to speculation that he could be preparing for a future leadership bid.
A source at Zamalek said Nasr had played a role in the issue surrounding the club’s new branch in Sixth of October City, despite Al-Mandouh having political connections through his role as a member of Egypt’s House of Representatives.
The source said Nasr has also been the only board member to attend football-sector meetings alongside Labib and John Edward.
His participation in sports activity contracts has also drawn attention, with Nasr’s previous experience as president of the Handball Federation said to have strengthened his involvement in that area.
According to the source, Nasr’s appearance with Zamalek members at the club’s Marsa Matrouh resort was viewed by some as a signal that he could become a leading candidate for the presidency.
“Hisham Nasr is also involved in sports activity contracts by virtue of his former position as president of the Handball Federation, and his recent appearance among Zamalek members at the Marsa Matrouh resort was a clear message that he would be a prominent presidential candidate if Labib insisted on limiting himself to the current term.”
Mortada Mansour’s membership issue returns
The debate over the club’s future leadership has also brought renewed focus on Mortada Mansour.
Receipts said to show payment of his membership fees have circulated, prompting questions about whether he could be attempting to restore his position within the club.
The matter is sensitive because the current board had previously indicated that Mansour’s membership had been cancelled.
The source said the receipts could be interpreted as a sign that Mortada Mansour may be considering a return to the electoral process, either personally or through his son, Amir Mortada.
“Mortada Mansour did not remain silent, as receipts were issued indicating that he had paid the membership fees, which sparked a severe crisis, especially since the current board of directors had previously noted that his membership had been cancelled.”
The issue has added another layer of uncertainty to a contest that has yet to officially begin.
Other names linked with possible race
The source also named Hani Al-Attal and Ahmed Suleiman as figures who may be monitoring developments ahead of the election.
Meanwhile, Ayman Mamdouh Abbas has not shown signs of preparing for a campaign, according to the source. He has reportedly not appeared at the club in recent days.
Al-Mandouh’s appearance among members at the main Zamalek headquarters has also been interpreted as part of the growing competition for influence within the club.
The next election remains some distance away, but the activity around Zamalek suggests that the contest for the presidency may already be under way.
For now, much depends on whether Labib decides to seek a further term. If he does not, the club could face a high-profile contest involving several of its most recognisable administrators and former officials.
