When Contracts Collide: FIFA Enters as Ittihad Tangier Escalates the Abdul Hamid Maaly Case Against Zamalek

Background

Ittihad Tangier, the Moroccan club, dropped a bombshell for Zamalek by announcing it has escalated the Abdul Hamid Maaly transfer dispute to FIFA, citing unpaid installments and a breach of contract. The move underscores the complexity of the case and threatens to derail the Egyptian side's plans, amid a breakdown in communication from Zamalek's board.

Essam Talabi, the vice president and spokesperson for Ittihad Tangier, told TV reporters that the Moroccan club was forced to approach FIFA after negotiations with Zamalek hit a dead end, stressing that the decision came only after every amicable path had been exhausted.

"We filed a formal complaint with FIFA after discussions reached an impasse," Talabi said, expressing regret about the development while keeping the door open for a natural, cordial resolution if possible.

Talabi noted that while Moroccan and Egyptian clubs share a long history of mutual respect, the absence of replies from Zamalek has eroded trust and created a difficult atmosphere. He said the club reached out twice formally, only to be met with a refrain of "wait 10 days," before contact was abruptly cut and no payment was made.

The transfer was reportedly agreed in two installments, but Zamalek has paid nothing to date, an apparent breach of contract that undermines trust and makes future collaborations harder. Ittihad Tangier says it has instructed its lawyers to pursue FIFA action, while insisting it does not seek confrontation but insists on contractual respect.

The ongoing crisis threatens the team and the players

Talabi warned that the lack of ongoing communication and timely payments has damaged the confidence between the two clubs. He explained that the Moroccan club had attempted formal contact on two occasions; the responses were always "wait 10 days," then silence, with no funds paid.

He added that Maaly's move was planned in two payments, and the club's failure to pay any installment has breached the contract. The ongoing absence of dialogue has harmed trust and created a tense situation for both parties.

Talabi confirmed that Ittihad Tangier has instructed its attorney to file a formal report to FIFA, and that the matter is now heading toward legal channels. He stressed that the club is not seeking confrontation but merely wants contracts and financial obligations respected.

Escalation, Fees, and Wider Fallout

The escalation also touches other cases. Estrela da Amadora of Portugal has filed a formal complaint with FIFA against Zamalek over an unpaid fee for Chiko Banza, despite a four-year contract. A club source told Koora that Estrela pressed its case multiple times with no resolution, prompting formal protection of its financial rights by FIFA.

Another matter involves Oleksandra, a Ukrainian player, who has filed a complaint with FIFA over non-payment tied to the transfer of Brazilian forward João Alvino, who signed a four-year deal with Zamalek.

Together, these disputes paint a broader picture: Zamalek's financial pressures could lead to sanctions from FIFA, affecting the club's ability to register new players and potentially demoralizing its current squad. Essam Talabi framed the situation as a test of the club's integrity, stressing that stability and success depend on honoring contracts and paying players on time.

Ultimately, the club's leadership must decide whether to settle obligations promptly to protect its reputation and competitive standing, or risk a cascade of penalties and further reputational damage. The saga shows that in football, when the wallets tighten, the whistle blows louder for lawyers than for commentators.

And for a pinch of levity after all that paperwork: 1) If contracts came with a loyalty card, Zamalek would need a passport. 2) FIFA’s inbox is so full, even an apology email needs a transfer window upgrade.