Ahmed Shobier criticizes Zamalek board over dues and football company crisis

Broadcaster Ahmed Shobier criticized Zamalek’s board, headed by Hussein Labib, over ongoing financial and administrative crises, saying repeated references to the October land dispute are not enough to explain the current problems. He added that the club’s statement on allegations of wasting public money and corruption had failed to reassure fans, after the board linked fines amounting to $7 million to the withdrawal of the land in August 2025.

Shobier said the board members’ experience in marketing, investment and business management meant they should work to secure new sources of revenue. He also criticized delays in paying the first-team players’ dues despite their commitment and good results, and noted that head coach Moatamed Gamal was not receiving his dues regularly. The board’s position on appointing a sporting director or a foreign coach also remained unresolved.

Shobier discussed difficulties facing other sports teams, including the basketball team, with training and taking part in matches. By contrast, he said the football team was achieving good results despite financial hardship and the lack of major signings. He criticized previous signings that he felt had not been up to the required standard and had cost the club money, as well as fines resulting from mistakes in managing transfers and selecting players.

Shobier acknowledged that the board had inherited some crises from previous administrations and resolved some of them, but urged it to address current problems and avoid repeating mistakes. He also called for players’ dues to be paid and financial and administrative matters to be settled, especially those concerning the football company, and for a meeting to be held and a statement issued explaining the project’s details and plans to fans. He stressed that criticism from Zamalek figures came from concern for the club, while rejecting accusations that could harm anyone’s reputation or financial integrity without evidence.