FIFA hands Zamalek fresh transfer window ban
Egyptian side Zamalek have been handed a fresh three-window transfer ban by FIFA, the global football governing body announced on Thursday, bringing the total number of active transfer bans against the White Knights to 11.
While FIFA did not officially disclose the specific details behind the latest restriction, reports indicate it pertains to unpaid dues owed to the club’s former forward, Ibrahima Ndiaye.
The 27-year-old Senegalese international, who joined Zamalek from Swiss side FC Luzern in the summer of 2022, filed a formal complaint after the club failed to pay his overdue fees following the termination of his contract in 2024.
FIFA have reportedly ordered the Cairo-based side to pay the player approximately $1.6 million.
This latest blow comes shortly after a similar bans were issued on 3 and 17 December, linked to a financial dispute with former coach and Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi involving a reported $505,000. Just days prior, on 24th November , another ban was imposed over unpaid dues to former Swiss head coach Christian Gross.
The cash-strapped side have faced a flurry of FIFA sanctions in recent weeks.
Under FIFA regulations, the restrictions will remain in force until Zamalek resolve all their eleven ongoing cases.
The latest ban deals a major blow to Zamalek’s plans to strengthen their squad during the ongoing January transfer window, further complicating their administrative and sporting situation, as the club have already been forced to offload key players, including Nasser Maher and Nabil Emad.
Despite the turmoil off the pitch, Zamalek remain competitive in domestic and continental competitions.
The White Knights currently sit second in the Egyptian Premier League table with 28 points, trailing leaders Ceramica Cleopatra by four points, though the latter have played one more game.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, the two-time champions are currently Top of Group D with eight points from four games, holding a slim one-point lead over fellow Egyptian side Masry.
