Ahmed Shobair Criticizes Zamalek Management Over Registration Issues

Ahmed Shobair, a former goalkeeper for Al Ahly and the Egyptian national team, has openly criticized the management of Zamalek SC for the increasing number of legal issues facing the club with FIFA.

On Wednesday evening, FIFA announced a new registration ban on Zamalek due to overdue payments owed to assistant coach Yannick Ferreira, amounting to $60,000. This brings the total number of cases against the club to 17.

In radio statements on Thursday, Shobair expressed his concerns: “Zamalek had 18 cases and resolved two, leaving them with 16. However, I was shocked yesterday when I learned about the case involving Ferreira’s assistant, which ruled in favor of $63,000. These amounts are trivial, but people are now aware of how the sports arbitration court operates. As a fan of Zamalek, I cannot wake up every morning to news of another lawsuit; it’s alarming for a club of Zamalek’s stature to have 17 ongoing cases. Fans are also worried about the African licensing issue.”.

Shobair continued: “Zamalek supporters are living in a state of anxiety. Why did I elect this management if every time I resolve five cases, another five emerge? These issues must be settled to lift the registration ban, and the amounts keep increasing due to interest, with total debts exceeding $6.5 million—around 400 million Egyptian pounds—and it continues to rise.”.

He added: “Zamalek may not be able to pay the full amount but could opt for a payment plan. I’m telling you that things are tough; Salah Mosad’s situation has created significant problems among Zamalek fans. The disciplinary registration ban that Zamalek officials deny is indeed real and related to Salah Mosad. This situation needs resolution because Zamalek fans deserve better than this; as a result, you find yourself entangled in numerous lawsuits.”.

Shobair concluded: “The biggest mistake made by Zamalek was delaying negotiations. This careless attitude—if I may say so—is unacceptable. As a board of directors, you must act decisively and stop living in victimhood while deceiving people.”.