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Zamalek's participation in the Egyptian Super Cup final is under threat after key team members were detained in the UAE following a post-match altercation, casting uncertainty over their availability.
Zamalek delegation in the UAE has been embroiled in a legal crisis after two key players, Mostafa Shalaby and Nabil Emad, along with football director Abdel-Wahed El-Sayed, were detained by Abu Dhabi police following a physical altercation with security personnel.
The incident occurred after Zamalek's tense 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Pyramids FC in the Egyptian Super Cup semi-final at Al Nahyan Stadium.
The altercation, which reportedly stemmed from heated emotions post-match, has thrown the much-anticipated Egyptian Super Cup final between Zamalek and their fierce rivals Al Ahly into uncertainty.
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Zamalek fans and football pundits were left wondering whether the club would pull out of the final or request a postponement due to the legal entanglement.
Speaking to Sada El Balad TV, Hossam El-Mandouh, head of Zamalek’s delegation in the UAE, shed light on the situation.
"We have always been treated with hospitality and respect in the UAE. Football sometimes leads to heated moments, but that does not affect the strong bond between Egypt and the UAE," he said
El-Mandouh further addressed growing rumors regarding Zamalek's potential withdrawal from the final.
"We have not issued any statement confirming our withdrawal from the Super Cup final. We were only focused on resolving the current crisis. We may request a postponement or reassess the situation, but God willing, the match will go ahead, and we will make our fans proud," he said.
The legal proceedings, which saw the trio remanded in custody after their initial court appearance, were delayed until October 29, creating further uncertainty about the players' availability for the final.
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Zamalek has been working closely with Egyptian authorities, including Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy and Egypt’s ambassador to the UAE, in an effort to resolve the matter without escalating the diplomatic strain.
El-Mandouh reassured Zamalek fans that despite the legal challenges, the club remains committed to competing in the Super Cup final.
"The court session for the detained individuals is scheduled for tomorrow morning, between 8 and 9 AM on Wednesday. Today, around 10 lawyers attended the preliminary session, and a selection will be made to represent the case in court tomorrow,” he stated.
He also hinted that Zamalek might seek a postponement of the final, though no formal request had been submitted as of yet.
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Zamalek’s preparation for the final has been hampered by the absence of two key players.
Mostafa Shalaby, a vital attacking player, and Nabil ‘Dunga’ Emad, a stalwart in midfield, were integral to Zamalek’s game plan.
Their absence is made even more pronounced by the lackluster performance of Ziad Kamal, who was substituted in to replace Dunga during the semi-final clash against Pyramids FC.
The club’s head coach, Jose Gomes, is now faced with the challenging task of adjusting his lineup without two pivotal stars.
Despite the legal situation, Zamalek’s management remains focused on the upcoming final.
"We were focused on managing the crisis. We might request a postponement, but the final will proceed, and we aim to make Zamalek’s fans proud."
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