Despite Zamalek making a number of signings during the January transfer window, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has confirmed that the African giants will not be allowed to register any of them.
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In an effort to salvage their championship aspirations, the reigning Egyptian Premier League champions made some signings during the January window, with the likes of Naser Mansy and Ahmed Belhadj joining the White Knights.
Central defender Mahmoud Shabana was also recalled from his loan at Smouha, but according to the EFA, none of these players have been allowed to be registered because of the club's unpaid debts.
The association released a statement claiming that the five-time CAF Champions League winners were supposed to pay their late dues prior to the conclusion of deadline day at 00:00 on 1 February or risk not registering their new players, which, according to them, they were unable to do.
"The window for registering the January signings is now closed. All Egyptian Premier League clubs paid their dues and had their players registered except for Zamalek," the EFA's statement read.
"The EFA contacted Zamalek to inform them about their late dues so they can register their players before the deadline, however, we received no contact from the club.
"In the last few hours before the deadline, Zamalek officials arrived at the EFA headquarters in order to register Nasser Mansy, Ahmed Belhadj, and Mahmoud Shabana without scheduling their debts."
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Zamalek president Mortada Mansour has since insisted that the club tried to find a solution with the EFA prior to the deadline.
"I asked to pay off the debt in bank cheques, however, Gamal Allam and Hazem Emam refused and asked for the money to be paid in cash. I informed them that the club's bank accounts are suspended," Mansour said on Zamalek TV.
"The minister of youth suggested paying off the debt so the club can register the players, nevertheless, the EFA still rejected this offer."
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