Zamalek Ordered by FIFA to Pay Abdelhamid Maali Dues

Zamalek SC is once again facing a severe disciplinary and financial challenge on the international stage. The Players’ Status Committee of FIFA has issued a formal ruling in favor of Moroccan attacking midfielder Abdelhamid Maali, ordering the Egyptian club to clear unpaid financial dues following a contract dispute.

The FIFA Ruling and the 45-Day Deadline

The player, who is affiliated with Morocco’s Ittihad Tanger, terminated his contract with Zamalek unilaterally after not receiving his salaries, subsequently returning to his former club.

Under FIFA’s dispute resolution rules, the club has been granted a strict window of 45 days from official notification to fulfill the payment.

Failure to clear the balance within this timeframe will trigger a disciplinary sanction prohibiting the club from registering new players for two transfer windows.

Financial Backlog and Prior Settlements at Zamalek

The Maali case compounds a heavy burden of financial disputes that Zamalek’s administration has navigated recently. Prior to this ruling, the club dealt with multiple international claims, including a restriction stemming from dues owed to another Moroccan player, Salah Dine Messadek, currently with Wydad AC according to sports coverage.

At the same time, administrative officials have successfully resolved several other high-profile files. According to records from btolat, the club managed to settle dues for the coaching staff of former Portuguese manager Jose Gomes—including Luis Vicente, Joao Miguel, and Andre Peke—alongside payments to forward Samson Akinyola and Swiss coach Christian Gross.

The same administrative push cleared financial claims involving Belgian club Royal Charleroi SC over the transfer of Oday Dabbagh, as well as settlements for Omar Faraj, Ahmed Al-Jafali, Portuguese coach Jose Gomes, and Estrella da Amadora regarding Chico Banza.

African Competition Licensing and Immediate Stakes

The timing of the ruling complicates Zamalek’s operational planning. On the positive side for the club, Zamalek successfully secured its African license, guaranteeing participation in the upcoming edition of the CAF Champions League. That milestone makes resolving outstanding legal and financial files an urgent priority to protect team stability before the new season begins.

With the 45-day countdown now active following the official notification, Zamalek’s management must address the financial demands tied to the Abdelhamid Maali case to prevent another transfer embargo from taking effect.