Zamalek Players Refuse Pre-Season Training Camp

Ahmed Shobair has confirmed that there is a major crisis within Zamalek Club, as the first-team football players have refused to enter the preparation camp for the new season.

In statements made during his radio program this morning, Shobir said: "A source within Zamalek confirmed that the pre-season camp will not begin until the overdue payments to the players are settled."

He continued: "I will clarify the reason, and I hope Zamalek fans do not take offense. The reason is that the players refused to enter the training camp, and they confirmed that they will not start the new season like before. They requested their dues and emphasized that they have not fallen short, as they reached the Confederation Cup final and won the Egyptian league title."

He added: "The players have outstanding payments and bonuses. Of course, Mandooh Abbas, the former club president, paid a lot of money in bonuses, but the players' contract dues have not all been paid by the club."

The source stated, "Zamalek will prepare everything to start the training period in two or three days, but on the other hand, Al Ahly has been in its preparation period for 10 days and will play a friendly match on the 23rd. Meanwhile, Zamalek has not started training, and the league starts in a month, and the club has not yet signed a coach."