Egypt’s Zamalek to face financial crisis alone

The Cairo-based club has submitted an official request to the government, asking for assistance in paying the fine imposed by the CAF after angry fans invaded the pitch at Cairo Stadium following the African Champions League match against Tunisia’s Club Africain.

“The regulations don’t allow the sports council to share the club’s fine or give them a loan,” Sakr concluded during the meeting.

The CAF fine further adds to the Cairo giants’ on-going financial crisis as they are already suffering a lack of funds following the ousting of their former president Mamduh Abbas who provided a main source of the club’s funding.

The popular club launched a campaign earlier this season called “Your Club is Calling You,” asking fans to support the players during the financial crisis. The campaign, however, failed to meet the expectations for it.

Zamalek are celebrating their centenary this year and their football team, under the helm of Hossam Hassan, are competing for their first Egyptian Premier League title since 2004. The club is currently level with arch-rivals Ahly at the top of the table with 46 points. They have a difficult game ahead of them on Thursday when they will come up against military side, Al-Shorta.