FIFPRO dismissed after warning players from signing for Egyptian clubs

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TRANSFERS FIFPRO dismissed after warning players from signing for Egyptian clubs

Kiplagat Sang • 18:38 - 10.06.2023

The players’ organization outlined reasons why it has become a risky venture to sign with clubs in that country.

The Egyptian Football Association has dismissed FIFPRO’s warning to players about signing with clubs in the country.

FIFPRO issued the warning a few days ago, stipulating reasons why players must be cautious while signing with Egyptian clubs.

However, the country’s FA has defended itself and the clubs over the allegations by the players’ watchdog.

"The Egyptian Football Association expresses its strong displeasure with the sudden statement issued by the International Federation of Professional Footballers," the FA said, as quoted by KingFut.

"It emphasizes that the statement contains a lot of inaccurate information, and if proven, it would be individual cases that do not reflect on all Egyptian clubs."

The FA pointed out why FIFPRO could be wrong and why the warning should be dismissed.

"Firstly, according to the TMS (Transfer Matching System), the number of Egyptian clubs that have accounts is 113, representing the first and second divisions in full, in addition to more than half of the clubs in the third division. There is no need to circumvent the process of obtaining international cards," it added.

"Secondly, the Egyptian Football Association has approximately 268 foreign players across different levels.

"Only two complaints were received regarding the withholding of passports over the past four years, and this was due to the completion of players' residency procedures. The passports were immediately returned after the intervention of the association."

FIFPRO had warned the players that a move to Egypt had a high chance of resulting in legal proceedings.

"Do not hand over your passport to a club official. If a club tells you they need your passport to obtain a residence or work permit, instead provide them with a photocopy of your passport or insist that you will come along for those formalities," FIFPRO said.

"Do not sign a blank contract, no matter what a club tells you. FIFPRO has seen numerous cases in which a club and player sign one contract containing all the details.

"Keep one signed, original version of the contract. Do not fall into the trap of the club stating that all copies must be approved by the FA. Always keep one version containing your signature and that of the club.

"Before signing a contract, ensure the right currency has been fixed so that the club cannot change the currency. Egypt has a standard player contract in which amounts are pre-fixed in USD or EGP. If you leave the currency open when you sign the contract, the club could take advantage of this."