Thamer Al-Fandari, the Vice President of the Tunisian Sfaxien Club, announced the return of former international star Ali Maaloul after the end of his career with Al-Ahly in Egypt this summer, confirming that the player has signed a contract for 3 seasons to return to his mother team.

In statements to the "Number 10" program on the Egyptian First Channel, Al-Fandari said: "Sfaxien gave Al-Ahly a gift when it allowed Maaloul to transfer, and now the player is coming back home again, with a contract that extends until the club's centenary in 2028."

Al-Fandari confirmed that Maaloul is physically and technically ready after undergoing thorough medical examinations and individual training in the past period, explaining that Sfaxien is the first club in the player's heart, while Al-Ahly is in second place.

Regarding the possibility of Maaloul returning to Al-Ahly in the future in an administrative or technical position, Al-Fandari responded: "Maaloul will be part of Sfaxien even after his retirement, whether in the administrative or technical staff, depending on his desire; one can say, love is only for the first beloved."

Al-Fandari also revealed that the Sfaxien management welcomes the return of Hamza Mathlouthi, the former Zamalek player, indicating that the player is capable of delivering outstanding seasons, but he denied the existence of negotiations with striker Fakhr El-Din Ben Youssef, despite acknowledging his great potential.