When the Whistle Takes a Break: Hazem Imam Reveals the Peaceful Night Behind Zamalek’s Talks
9 March 2026
Context of the Meeting
Hazem Imam, a former Zamalek star, reveals the details of a gathering where the club’s board met with Mamdouh Abbas, the club’s former president, clarifying rumors about rejecting foreign referees for decisive league games.
Imam said the meeting occurred on the margins of an iftar hosted by Abbas, describing the session as cordial.
The board thanked Abbas for his support and presented him with a Zamalek shield, while Abbas reiterated his commitment to the club under all circumstances.
What Was Discussed
Imam stressed that there was no discussion about bringing in foreign referees; the talk centered on Zamalek fans and the players’ morale, with emphasis on the team’s spirit.
The former star emphasized that the team’s results are a significant achievement, especially given the club’s financial difficulties and the fact that Zamalek players are among the league’s lowest-paid.
He noted that Zamalek leads the Egyptian Premier League by three points ahead of challengers Pyramid and Al Ahly.
The mood of the meeting was described as very positive, with Ahmed Suleiman present and exchanging jokes, reflecting calm and lack of tension as club matters were discussed.
Regarding football operations, Imam said John Edward oversees this file, coordinating with the supervisors, Ma'moud Gamal and Hussein El-Sayed.
The article also mentions the context of a league match: Army vs Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League.
In summary, Zamalek sits atop the table, three points clear of closest rivals, while the discussion focused on club matters and the fans’ important role.
Caption: A short recap of a peaceful meeting and the club’s ongoing support from leadership.
Punchline 1: If football decisions were sniper shots, they’d hit the wrong target just to keep us guessing—talk about precision, or should we say, circus precision?
Punchline 2: In this league, the whistle is louder than the roar of the crowd—proving that sometimes the loudest sound is someone waiting on the next goal and the next joke.
