Egyptian giants Zamalek have been handed another three window transfer ban by FIFA, increasing the total number of active sanctions against the club to eleven and further deepening their ongoing administrative crisis.
The global football governing body reportedly confirm the latest restriction on Thursday, although it did not publicly outline the specific reason behind the decision. However, reports indicate the ban is linked to unpaid financial obligations owed to former Zamalek forward Ibrahima Ndiaye.
The 27 year old Senegalese international joined the Cairo based club from Swiss side FC Luzern in the summer of 2022 but later lodged a complaint with FIFA after Zamalek failed to settle outstanding payments following the termination of his contract in 2024. FIFA are believed to have ordered Zamalek to pay Ndiaye approximately $1.6 million.
This latest sanction comes on the back of a series of similar bans imposed in recent months. On December 3 and December 17, FIFA issued transfer bans connected to a separate financial dispute involving former Zamalek coach and Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi, with the amount reportedly standing at $505,000. Another ban was also enforced on November 24 over unpaid wages owed to former Swiss head coach Christian Gross.
Zamalek have now accumulated eleven unresolved cases with FIFA, and under the governing body’s regulations, all transfer restrictions will remain in effect until every outstanding issue is fully settled.
The fresh ban represents a significant setback for the White Knights, especially during the January transfer window, as they look to reinforce their squad. Financial constraints have already forced the club to part ways with key players, including Nasser Maher and Nabil Emad, further limiting their options on the pitch.
Despite the mounting off field challenges, Zamalek continue to show resilience in competition. They currently occupy second place in the Egyptian Premier League with 28 points, four behind leaders Ceramica Cleopatra, who have played one additional match.
On the continental stage, the two time CAF Confederation Cup winners are leading Group D with eight points from four matches, holding a narrow one point advantage over fellow Egyptian side Masry as they push for qualification to the knockout phase.
