African Giants Hit Hard by FIFA Transfer Freeze Amid Debt Dispute

African Giants Hit Hard by FIFA Transfer Freeze Amid Debt Dispute

Festus Chuma 12:00 - 10.05.2025

The Egyptian side face dual FIFA transfer bans over unpaid debts to Jaime Pacheco and Khalid Boutaib, deepening the club's crisis.

Egyptian football powerhouse Zamalek have been handed another crippling transfer ban by FIFA, compounding the club’s ongoing financial and administrative crisis.

The latest sanction stems from the club’s failure to pay €819,000 in compensation to former head coach Jaime Pacheco, marking yet another low in a turbulent season for the White Knights.

This fresh punishment will see Zamalek barred from registering new players for the next three transfer windows — a significant blow for a team already struggling to compete at the highest level.

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According to King Fut, the ruling reinforces a decision initially announced in November 2024, which Zamalek appealed, only for it to be upheld after FIFA found no merit in the club's defense.

The sanction comes while the club is already under an existing transfer ban due to unresolved dues owed to Moroccan striker Khalid Boutaib. FIFA had previously ordered Zamalek to pay Boutaib €2.4 million after the striker’s contract was unilaterally terminated.

Although a portion of the amount has been settled, the club still owes him €983,000 — a sum that has further compounded the club’s legal and financial burdens.

Dual Transfer Bans Threaten Future Stability

Zamalek’s dual transfer bans now severely threaten the club’s long-term stability, both on and off the pitch. With back-to-back rulings from football’s global governing body, the Cairo giants find themselves unable to make squad reinforcements — a critical handicap for a club still clinging to hopes of continental resurgence.

The financial strain is mounting at a time when the club desperately needs to rebuild. The inability to add new players could derail any chances of reclaiming domestic dominance or making a serious run in future African competitions. Worse still, it may prompt current players and staff to consider their futures amid an atmosphere of uncertainty.

Jaime Pacheco, who coached Zamalek between September 2020 and March 2021, filed his claim to FIFA after his contract was prematurely terminated.

The Portuguese manager, known for his tactical discipline, had previously guided the team to solid performances before his unexpected dismissal.

His successful claim and the subsequent ruling show the seriousness with which FIFA is addressing unpaid contractual obligations, reinforcing its commitment to protecting coaching and player rights.

New Coach, Same Old Problems

Despite the cloud of legal trouble, Zamalek have appointed veteran coach Ayman El-Ramady in a bid to salvage pride in what has become a disappointing season. The 60-year-old tactician replaces Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro, who parted ways with the club after a string of poor results.

El-Ramady, who signed on until the end of the current campaign, expressed optimism in his initial statements.

“I am proud to lead a club with Zamalek’s legacy. We must work with what we have and aim for the best possible finish,” he said during a press conference on Thursday.

Zamalek currently sit third in the Egyptian Premier League with 40 points, trailing league leaders Pyramids FC by seven.

With only four matches remaining, hopes of clinching the title or finishing second — the last CAF Champions League qualifying spot — are faint.

The club’s recent elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup, courtesy of a shock home defeat to South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC, added to a growing list of setbacks.