Former coach Ahmed “Mido” Hassan repaid $785 to the club to settle a 12-year-old financial discrepancy related to a team hotel bill during a 2014 African Champions League camp in Zambia, Masrawy reported. The payment resolves a financial note that surfaced during a routine audit of the club’s books by the Public Funds Prosecution.
What Happened in Zambia in 2014?
The incident stems from a pre-season trip to Lusaka, Zambia, in 2014. Mido was the team’s head coach at the time, preparing the squad for a match against Zambian side Zesco United in the CAF Champions League. During the team’s hotel stay, some players requested additional services and amenities, according to the details of the shared incident.
The costs for these extra requests were mistakenly charged to Mido’s personal room account at the hotel. This created a financial imbalance that was not settled at the time. The discrepancy remained dormant for over a decade until the club’s recent financial audit brought it to light.
How Did Mido Resolve the Matter?
Upon the issue being flagged by the Public Funds Prosecution during its ongoing review of the club’s financial records, the former coach took immediate action. Mido paid the exact disputed amount of $785 directly into the treasury of Zamalek Sports Club.
This payment formally closes the financial note linked to the 2014 Zambian camp and clears his name in the context of this specific file. The action demonstrates a final settlement of a minor but lingering administrative issue from his time as coach.
Broader Financial Troubles at the Club
This backdrop makes Mido’s modest repayment a point of contrast. While the club deals with multi-million dollar debt, a former coach settled a small, long-standing bill, highlighting the different scales of financial issues the institution has faced over time.
Criticisms of the Current Administration
The situation has drawn sharp criticism from prominent sports figures. Former Al Ahli and Egypt national team goalkeeper Ahmed Shobier launched a scathing attack on the current Zamalek board in an interview, as reported by Al Shorouk News.
What’s Next for Zamalek?
For Mido, the matter appears to be concluded. For the board of directors, the focus remains on managing the complex financial fallout from the loss of its land and responding to the growing pressure from players, media, and fans demanding accountability and solutions.
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