Egypt and Al-Merreikh goalkeeper Essam El Hadary has until 26 April to pay his fine to former club Ahly and avoid facing a further suspension by the international football governing body (FIFA).

Egyptian club Ahly received a letter on Wednesday from FIFA, informing them that they have agreed to extend Essam El-Hadary’s period of grace to pay the fine until 26 April. The former deadline was 6 April.

The player asked FIFA for more time to manage his financial issues and they agreed to allow him a 20-day extension and if he doesn’t pay in time, both the player and FC Sion will be punished again.

The three-time African Cup of Nations champion's move in 2008 from the Red Devils to Switzerland’s FC Sion was deemed to have contravened FIFA rules. He was subsequently handed a four-month suspension and ordered, along with FC Sion, to pay his former club a $796,500 fine.

The Pharaohs’ goal keeper departed the Egyptian Premier League early this season for Sudanese side Al-Merreikh after a clash with the Zamalek club’s coaching staff, where he had been after leaving FC Sion and Ismaiyi.

The 38-year old guard played his first official game for Al-Merreikh on 7 March in the Sudanese league after ending his suspension, but he could face a new spell on the sidelines.