Zamalek Club chairman Galal Ibrahim has reversed his decision to resign, saying he could not let down the board members and “Zamalek icons” after they convinced him to resume his post.

Ibrahim announced his resignation on Wednesday, giving as his reason Zamalek’s mounting financial issues, which could prevent them from fulfilling the demands of the new coach Hassan Shehata.

“The board members and some of the club’s iconic figures visited me in my house to convince me to change my mind. That was the main reason behind my decision to stay,” Ibrahim said on Zamalek’s official website. “The head of the National Sports Council, Hassan Saqr, did not accept my resignation.”

The White Knights are struggling to compete with archrivals Ahly in the transfer market, making it doubtful whether they will manage to end a seven-year league drought. Ahly have so far signed five players, including Zamalek-target Walid Soliman of ENPPI, while their competitors have only managed to lure free agent and Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan.

Former Egypt manager Shehata, who took over following the sacking of Hossam Hassan after Zamalek finished as the runner-up to Ahly last season, hinted he might leave if the club failed to make big-name signings.