In another blow to Zamalek, FIFA officially announced on Wednesday a three-transfer-window ban on the Egyptian club. This shocking decision further complicates the administrative and sporting situation within the Cairo-based club, which is already grappling with a series of financial crises and international legal issues.
Reliable Egyptian press reports revealed that the main reason behind this new disciplinary decision stems from a complaint filed by Tunisian star Ferjani Sassi, the team's former midfielder who currently plays for Qatari club Al-Gharafa. The complaint concerns outstanding financial dues owed to the player, which the Zamalek administration failed to settle within the agreed timeframe, prompting the player to appeal to FIFA to protect his rights.
According to the financial details, Ferjani Sassi is owed approximately $450,000, plus late payment penalties and 5% interest, bringing the total amount due to over half a million dollars. This sum represents an additional burden on the club's finances, which are already struggling to meet multiple obligations to avoid similar penalties.
Ferjani Sassi's career: From Al-Nassr to Zamalek's crisis
Ferjani Sassi has a rich history in Arab football, having previously played for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr in the 2017/2018 season before moving to Egypt's Zamalek the following season. During his time with the White Knights, Sassi was a key player, contributing significantly to Zamalek's success in winning several important titles, most notably the CAF Confederation Cup, the Egyptian Cup, and the Egyptian and African Super Cups. His departure and the subsequent strained relationship between him and the club were therefore painful for the fans.
The repercussions of the decision and the series of registration suspensions
This decision is not an isolated incident in Zamalek's current situation, but rather part of a long series of international issues. Reports indicate that the Ferjani Sassi case is the sixth instance resulting in a transfer ban for the club during November and December alone. This situation places immense pressure on the club's board to act swiftly and secure the necessary funds to settle the fines and pay the penalties before the transfer window opens, thus ensuring the team's ability to strengthen its squad with new players.
The transfer ban poses a direct threat to the stability of the technical team, as it prevents the club from registering any new deals, whether local or foreign, until the outstanding amounts are paid in full and FIFA is notified in order to lift the ban on the electronic transfer system (TMS).
