Taking the Derby to Parliament: Zamalek demands state inquiry into Al Ahly contracts
Zamalek SC treasurer and Egyptian Member of Parliament Hossam El-Mandouh has announced plans to demand a parliamentary review of rival club Al Ahly SC’s player contracts, specifically questioning the financial details of Ahmed Sayed Zizo’s move.
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The dispute over Zizo's registration
During a recent television interview, El-Mandouh expressed severe doubts regarding the registered salaries of Al Ahly players at the Egyptian Football Association EFA.
He specifically highlighted the case of Ahmed Sayed Zizo whose free transfer to Zamalek's bitter rivals a year ago continues to cause frustration among the White Knights' management and fanbase.
"A player asked us for 80 million per season, then we hear that his contract at the football association is only 5 million pounds. Is this logical? Of course, I mean Zizo and there are other contracts like this" El-Mandouh stated.
While Al Ahly do not publicly disclose individual player salaries, the club operates a football company that reportedly covers portions of player wages.
Standard procedure dictates that taxes and fees should apply to all contracts registered with both the EFA and the football company, a process El-Mandouh believes requires closer scrutiny.
Demands for state intervention
Leveraging his position as a Member of Parliament, El-Mandouh confirmed his intention to escalate the matter politically.
"I will raise this matter in parliament and the state must intervene to monitor player contract files" he added.
He also referenced recent comments by EFA President Hany Abo Rida to justify his concerns, noting:
"When Hany Abo Rida says that some contracts are correct and some are incorrect, this certainly raises question marks"
The Juan Bezerra situation
Beyond the dispute with Al Ahly, Zamalek are currently navigating a FIFA transfer ban related to overdue payments, as well as an internal crisis involving Brazilian player Juan Bezerra.
Bezerra who helped Zamalek secure the Egyptian Premier League title last season, requested to leave and has not returned to Egypt despite the new campaign beginning weeks ago.
However, the club has opted against filing an immediate formal complaint.
"There are some situations that require calm and negotiation.. We communicate with him officially and legally every day to reach a solution in favour of Zamalek and the player will return within days" " El-Mandouh explained.
Zamalek have instructed Bezerra not to discuss a potential departure until he returns to Cairo, with El-Mandouh insisting the club's legal position is "one million percent" sound.
The Egyptian parliament will need to decide whether to formally review El-Mandouh's request regarding Al Ahly's financial records, a move that could spark a major administrative conflict between the two Cairo giants.
Meanwhile, Zamalek’s management faces a crucial few days as they await Bezerra’s promised return. His arrival will determine whether the club can negotiate a mutual agreement or if they must escalate the matter to FIFA to protect their contractual rights.
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20 August 2026
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13 July 2026