Exclusive to Kooora: Will Zamalek receive an exception to participate in Africa, and what is Al Ahly’s position?

When asked whether Al Ahly—according to circulating reports—was entitled to apply to CAF to participate in place of Zamalek due to pending legal issues, or to object to their rivals being granted licences for any reason, the expert’s response was clear.

He told Koora: “The application must be submitted to the Licensing Committee of the Egyptian Football Association, in accordance with Article 5 of the CAF Club Licensing Regulations.”

Should Zamalek ultimately fail to meet the participation requirements, the CAF Club Competitions Organisation Committee will decide on any replacement, he added, citing the relevant regulations.

Asked whether Al Ahly, who finished third in the league, would join Pyramids (second place) in the competition as Zamalek’s replacement, he replied, “Yes, it is only natural for the team in the next qualifying position to step in, provided it satisfies the necessary criteria.”

He added, “If no club from a particular federation meets the requirements, that country will not be represented in the tournament—as happened in the 2024–2025 season when no Gambian club competed in CAF competitions.”

As for his advice to Arab clubs on how to avoid registration suspension penalties, the Lebanese lawyer said, “Contracts must not exceed the club’s financial capacity, and an international sports lawyer must be on hand at the club on a daily basis to monitor all contract details and potential disputes, and to work towards finding amicable and fair solutions for all parties.”