Zamalek Faces Fifth FIFA Transfer Ban Amid Financial Turmoil

Cairo, Egypt — Zamalek SC is facing another setback as FIFA has imposed a new transfer ban on the club. This marks the fifth active case against the Egyptian giants, as the sanctions were officially listed on FIFA’s disciplinary portal on November 24, 2025.

The latest ban restricts Zamalek from registering players for three transfer windows and adds to the club’s growing financial and administrative challenges. While FIFA has not disclosed the identity of the claimant, the complaint is related to unpaid financial obligations.

Previously, Zamalek was banned from registering players due to four separate rulings linked to unpaid wages owed to assistant coaches of former manager Jose Gomes. Reports indicate that the unpaid amounts total between $60,000 and $70,000, plus interest.

These bans will be lifted once Zamalek settles the outstanding dues, including those from this most recent case. Notably, November has seen Zamalek appear on FIFA’s sanctions list four times, raising concerns about the club’s future.

The repeated sanctions could significantly hinder Zamalek’s strategy for the upcoming January transfer window, where acquiring new players was seen as essential. Despite these difficulties, Zamalek recently opened their group stage campaign with a 1-0 victory over ZESCO United in Cairo, thanks to a goal from Seifeddine Jaziri.

Looking ahead, Zamalek prepares for a challenging match against Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa on Saturday, as part of the second round of Group D. In the Egyptian Premier League, the club currently sits in third place with 22 points, seven points behind leaders Al Masry, who have played one more match. The ongoing administrative issues are expected to greatly affect Zamalek’s competitiveness both on and off the field.