Zamalek first-team football players refused to return to training on Monday, September 21, 2026, demanding overdue financial wages from the previous season ahead of their upcoming Egyptian Premier League fixture against Al Ahly. According to a club source, squad members contacted head coach Motamed Gamal during their mandatory four-day rest period—granted after their recent victory over Ghazl El Mahalla—to request an extended break until partial payments are disbursed.
Zamalek Training Boycott Sparks Squad Crisis
The financial dispute centers on unpaid dues from the prior campaign. The standoff arrives at a critical juncture for the Cairo-based club as preparations loom for the high-profile domestic derby against traditional rivals Al Ahly.
Hossam Hassan Recruits Frosinone Defender
Egypt national team manager Hossam Hassan called up defender Omar Fayed from Italian club Frosinone to bolster the Pharaohs’ squad ahead of upcoming international fixtures. National team director Ibrahim Hassan confirmed the selection, which serves as a direct replacement for Al-Wakrah midfielder Hamdy Fathy. Fathy sustained an injury that rules him out of the squad’s next three matches.
The national team enters a busy stretch starting with 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Angola and South Sudan on September 25 and September 29. The Pharaohs will subsequently conclude their gathering with an international friendly against South Africa on October 4 at Cairo International Stadium.
Al Ahly Confirms Mohamed Dhaoui Christo Plan
Al Ahly finalized retention plans for Tunisian attacker Mohamed Dhaoui Christo, scheduling his stay with the first team through January. A club source stated that management sees no obstacle to keeping the player through the winter window, noting his monthly salary stands at $30,000. Christo is currently completing the final phase of his rehabilitation program following hernia surgery performed over two months ago.
Juan Bezira Restores Instagram Apology
Former Zamalek player Juan Bezira addressed social media speculation regarding an apology statement issued to the club’s fanbase following his transfer to UAE side Shabab Al Ahli. Monitoring confirmed that the player temporarily hid the post before restoring visibility, keeping the statement accessible on his profile.
Upcoming Fixture Schedule
Zamalek faces mounting administrative and financial pressure to resolve player dues ahead of the domestic league calendar, while the Egyptian national team gathers in Cairo to begin preparations for the continental qualifiers later this week.
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