Will Juan Bezerra debt affect Zamalek’s CAF license? Ukrainian club reveals latest

Africa 25 May 2026 at 12:01

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

Ukrainian club Oleksandriya denies Zamalek owes a league title bonus for Juan Bezerra addressing rumors about unpaid transfer fees this week.

No title bonus for Bezerra

Recent local media reports suggested that the White Knights owed their former Ukrainian partners approximately 6 million Egyptian pounds.

This massive sum was allegedly tied to a contractual bonus following Zamalek's recent Egyptian Premier League triumph sparked by the performances of Brazilian winger Juan Bezerra.

Ironically this rumored bonus would have exceeded the official prize money awarded for winning the domestic championship.

However Yevhen Kucherha Leonidovych the Sporting Director of FC Oleksandriya completely dismissed these claims.

Speaking exclusively to the sports platform winwin, the executive clarified that the initial transfer agreement never included any financial rewards linked to Zamalek lifting the league title.

The search for a settlement

Leonidovych also addressed the ongoing speculation regarding overdue transfer installments.

He confirmed to winwin that no official representatives from the Cairo-based club have reached out to discuss a payment schedule or propose a financial settlement for the original transfer fee.

Zamalek acquired the 23 year old attacker last summer for €1.80 million securing his services on a four year contract running until 2029.

The club administration is currently working around the clock to clear multiple outstanding debts with foreign entities. Settling these specific arrears is an absolute priority to lift an active FIFA transfer ban and guarantee the issuance of a CAF club license which is mandatory for participating in next season's Champions League.

A Brazilian spark in Cairo

Since arriving from Eastern Europe, Bezerra has evolved into a cornerstone of the Zamalek attack.

The dynamic forward accumulated 44 appearances across all competitions this season. He contributed eight goals and provided 11 assists directly influencing 19 goal.

His creative output was a driving force behind the team's domestic league victory and their deep runs to the finals of both the CAF Confederation Cup & the Egyptian Super Cup.

Echoes of past financial battles

Zamalek's current scramble to resolve international transfer debts heavily mirrors their grueling 2023 financial crisis involving Sporting CP.

The Egyptian giants spent years battling FIFA sanctions over unpaid fees for club legend Shikabala which repeatedly blocked them from registering new signings.

Escaping this new administrative hurdle with Oleksandriya is vital to ensure Bezerra and his teammates can actually defend their domestic crown with a reinforced squad next season.

Related teams and leagues

Zamalek SC

FC Oleksandriya

CAF Champions League