Zamalek crisis deepens with second FIFA transfer ban in less than two weeks

Jaime Pacheco addresses players during his time as Zamalek head coach. Photo Credit: Zamalek SC

FIFA has decided to ban Egyptian club Zamalek from registering new players for three transfer windows, starting from the upcoming summer transfer window.

This decision comes due to a case filed by Portuguese coach Jaime Pacheco against Zamalek, demanding his dues after his contract was unilaterally terminated by the club. The decision comes less than two weeks after Zamalek was also banned from registering players due to unpaid dues to former Moroccan player Khalid Boutaib.

It is worth noting that both cases have yet to be settled, and Zamalek must pay an amount between $1.5 million and $2 million to resolve them.

This decision coincides with Zamalek drawing for the second consecutive time in the Nile Egyptian League and currently sitting third in the standings with 40 points. It also comes after the club’s earlier elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup at the quarter-final stage.

Zamalek’s only remaining hope to save their season lies in winning the Egypt Cup, where they will face Pyramids in the final on June 5th.