CAHB Lifts All Sanctions on Zamalek Handball, Paving the Way for a Fresh Continental Run

What happened and the decision

Zamalek received welcome administrative and legal news: the African Handball Confederation (CAHB) officially lifted all sanctions previously imposed on the club, both financial and sporting.

The move followed the club's non-participation in the 46th African Club Championship, held October 11-20 in Morocco.

Kooora obtained a document addressed to Zamalek’s president detailing the decision dated November 3, and sent to the club with a copy to the Egyptian Handball Federation.

The decision text reads: "We acknowledge receipt of the letter and the request to cancel the sanctions following the withdrawal from the 46th African Club Championship in Morocco, and we thank you for that."

CAHB's executive committee studied the file and, at its meeting on October 31, decided to cancel all penalties (financial and sporting) exceptionally for future CAHB competitions, after confirming the withdrawal.

The letter notes that the cancellation came after "confirmation of withdrawal," indicating the club provided justified reasons to the federation.

This is a very positive development for Zamalek, sparing them hefty financial burdens and removing potential fines, easing the club’s monetary pressure.

Most importantly, the sporting sanctions were lifted, meaning Zamalek's handball teams can compete in future continental events without restrictions or bans.

It helps restore stability to the club's administration, which has been battling crises on multiple fronts.

The lifting of sanctions gives the handball squad a renewed chance to contend for continental titles and underscores the importance of effective dialogue between clubs and continental federations in solving admin and sporting issues.

Previously, CAHB had informed Zamalek of a formal decision to bar the club from the African Club Championship for two seasons.

The punishment followed the club's refusal to participate in the most recent edition of the African Club Championship in Morocco after the draw.

The sanctions included a substantial monetary fine of 25,000 euros, reflecting the federation’s frustration with the withdrawal.

Following appeals by Zamalek officials, notably Hesham Nasser, the federation's decision was overturned.

Reasons for withdrawal

The withdrawal decision was driven by a double set of concerns: major financial hurdles and worries about the team's sporting level.

Financial reasons: the club cited liquidity problems that made it difficult to cover travel, accommodation, and delegation costs to Morocco.

This highlights the depth of the financial crisis affecting multiple club sectors, including historically strong ones at Zamalek.

The sporting reasons (performance concerns) included fears about the current standard of players, especially after the team's showing at the recent Club World Championship.

The management team feared repeating unsatisfactory results at the continental level and preferred withdrawal to risking another blow to fan morale.

This mix shows the withdrawal was the result of combined admin, financial, and sporting pressures that pushed the team to a critical point.

Impact on the "White Knights"

Being banned for two seasons would have posed a huge challenge and risk for the club's handball future, including a potential drop in continental ranking which could take years to recover.

Morale would also have suffered, as the decision represented a heavy blow to players and staff and would have increased tension within the handball department.

With sanctions lifted, the club can refocus on rebuilding and aiming higher in Africa, while maintaining dialogue with the federation to avoid future disruptions.

Note: in the original piece there is an image of the team; the article’s caption teases the road ahead for Zamalek’s handball side.

Punchline 1: If bureaucracy were a sport, CAHB would have its own league—yet this time the whistle blew in Zamalek’s favor.

Punchline 2: With sanctions off, Zamalek’s travel budget can stop living in fear of customs and start dreaming of destinations on a handball court, not a baggage carousel.