Zamalek have been ordered by FIFA’s Players’ Status Chamber to pay about $550,000 in outstanding money owed to former Moroccan player Abdelhamid Maaly, with the Egyptian club facing a possible transfer-registration ban if it fails to comply within the deadline.
The ruling gives Zamalek no more than 45 days from the date they were notified to settle the amount. Failure to do so could lead to further sporting sanctions, including a ban on registering players for two consecutive transfer windows under FIFA’s regulations governing disputes.
The decision was reported by Moroccan website Le360 Sport, which said the outstanding sum relates to the contractual dues owed to Maaly from his time with Zamalek.
Maaly, 20, currently plays for his former club Ittihad Tanger. He ended his contract with Zamalek unilaterally before submitting a formal complaint to FIFA, seeking payment of money he said remained outstanding.
Following its review of the case, FIFA’s Players’ Status Chamber ruled that Zamalek must pay the remaining amount within the specified period. The ruling also warned that sporting penalties would be imposed if the club did not implement the decision.
The case adds to the legal and financial difficulties facing Zamalek, who are dealing with several disputes involving unpaid player entitlements. The latest ruling therefore places further pressure on the club to resolve its outstanding obligations before the deadline expires.
The total ordered by FIFA is approximately $550,000, representing the balance of Maaly’s financial claims under the contract between the player and the club. The ruling does not remove the club’s opportunity to comply, but failure to make the payment during the 45-day period could trigger the sanctions set out in FIFA’s regulations.
Zamalek must now address the claim within the timeframe established by FIFA to avoid restrictions on its ability to register new players. The possible penalty would affect two successive transfer windows, adding a sporting consequence to the financial dispute.
Maaly’s complaint followed his decision to terminate his agreement with Zamalek on his own initiative. He then referred the matter to FIFA, asking the governing body to intervene over the delayed payments. After examining the file, the Players’ Status Chamber issued its decision in the player’s favour and set out the amount to be paid.
The ruling is the latest development in a growing series of cases involving Zamalek and financial claims from players. Unless the club pays the approximately $550,000 due within the prescribed period, FIFA may proceed with the additional sanctions outlined in its decision.
