When Land Meets the Locker Room: Zamalek’s Land Saga Goes to the Minister

Land Dispute and Football Reform at Zamalek

Minister Ashraf Sobhi visited Zamalek on Tuesday, aligning with ongoing legal developments over land at 6 October City and investigations into the club’s assets. The Administrative Court of the State Council postponed Hussein Labib's appeal against the Housing Minister and the head of the October City Authority, concerning the land withdrawal decision. The next hearing is February 3, for inspection and response. The Public Prosecution issued a statement confirming that investigations into the October land are ongoing, noting violations such as selling parts of buildings before construction and activities beyond sports, totaling 780 million pounds and raising concerns about potential misuses of public funds.

Football Company and Financial Challenges

Sources within Zamalek indicate that ministerial talks with the club’s board also tackled thorny issues, notably the fate of the club’s football company and how to activate its role amid the severe financial crisis facing the White Castle. This crisis places the board between existential choices: safeguard the club’s assets while defending against accusations of public fund mismanagement.

In a lighter note, the pitch here isn’t just about grass; it’s about governance, with a referee wearing a judge’s robe. And if money could talk on the field, it would probably shout offside and demand a VAR review for land deals!