Silent Governance, Roaring Setbacks: Zamalek’s Crisis Deepens as the Board Vanishes
4 octobre 2025
Overview
Zamalek is navigating one of its toughest spells in recent years under Belgian coach Yanik Ferreira, as the club slides down the Egyptian Premier League table and deals with internal confusion and financial strain that have haunted the club since the season’s start.
Since the 2-1 loss to longtime rival Al Ahly, hopes for a season of resurgence gave way to ongoing instability, with supporters dreaming of trophies and a stable vision instead of headlines about crisis.
That defeat acted as a spark that exposed tensions inside the dressing room; the resulting strain on players has shown in performances as every match compounds the misery.
The troubles extended beyond the pitch; disputes within the administration and waning trust between players and the coaching staff flourished, with a perceived lack of a clear strategic direction.
Ferreira, operating under tight finances and late salaries, faced rising pressure from fans and critics for tactical errors that fueled anger.
Behind the Silent Board
What’s striking is how the board, led by Hussein Labib, retreats from the spotlight at every stumble, offering official statements but few concrete remedies. A planning committee for Ahmed Mostafa “Zizo” contract renewal was created, then he moved to Al Ahly, and a sporting director John Edward was installed to shoulder football duties, as if board authority had been outsourced.
Before the derby against Al Ahly, the board issued a statement thanking players and staff for patience regarding late remunerations, but offered no actionable plan to fix the underlying crisis.
After the latest setback, Hesham Nasser floated a 20 million pound loan to cover some of the back pay, yet the money gap remains and the core issues linger.
Voices from the Club and the Road Ahead
Veteran icons, including Abdul Halim Ali, condemned the administration, saying what’s happening is “unacceptable” and that Zamalek is not a testing ground for experiments. He warned the club had dropped points due to repeated errors and a lack of discipline and focus.
Hazem Emam echoed calls for a change of coach, arguing that the team loses control in the second half due to mental fatigue, and that the defense and pressing have fallen short against disciplined rivals.
The uncertain future has fans pressing for a full rebuild, from the bench to the boardroom, or risk a grueling season unless decisive action is taken. A verdict on Ferreira could come soon if results don’t improve and the board’s silence persists.
In the end, the big question remains: can the board break its silence and restore trust, or will the crisis stagnate and threaten the season’s fate?
Punchline 1: If silence were a tactic, Zamalek would win every match 1-0 on mute.
Punchline 2: The board is so undercover that even the press conferences come with a “no comment” subscription.
