Zamalek strikes back: formal complaint against a rival magazine ahead of the Bank Al Ahly showdown

Administrative clash escalates as Zamalek files a formal complaint against Al Ahly Magazine

In a surprising turn, Zamalek SC’s board has chosen to escalate their legal challenge against what they call media overreach from Al Ahly Magazine, citing provocative coverage surrounding a high-profile incident at a recent Egyptian Super Cup.

A reliable source within the club confirmed that the management will submit a formal complaint to two top watchdog bodies—the Supreme Council for Media Regulation and the National Authority for Printing—arguing that the publication breached professional standards and risked inflaming fans.

The complaint centers on a published image connected to the disputed events of the UAE-hosted Super Cup, which the club says was released at a sensitive moment and aimed at stoking sectarian or fan-based tensions.

Zamalek maintain that such actions undermine media ethics and threaten stability within Egyptian football, stressing that the move is meant to protect the sport from sensationalism and polarization between rival supporters.

Additionally, the club asserts that the publication’s timing undermines efforts by officials from both sides to ease tensions and promote a healthier sporting environment.

The club also emphasizes its willingness to involve regulatory bodies to curb similar content in the future, underscoring a commitment to safeguarding the game’s integrity.

In a parallel thread, Zamalek’s technical staff, led by Belgian coach Yanick Ferreira, officially announced the starting XI for the upcoming Bank Al Ahly fixture at Cairo International Stadium, the twelfth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

The lineup reflects Ferreira’s strategy to balance defensive solidity with forward momentum, helped by a partial payment settlement that boosted morale among players.

The Zamalek starting XI announced by the coach:

Goalkeeper: Mohamed Sobhi

Defenders: Mahmoud Bintayk, Hosam Abdel Majid, Mohamed Ismail, Omar Gaber

Midfielders: Nabil Emad Donya, Abdullah El-Saeed, Nasser Maher

Forwards: Shiko Banza, Adi Al-Dabag, Juan Bizera

Zamalek substitutes

Mehdi Soliman, Mahmoud Hamdi El-Wenesh, Ahmed Fattouh, Ahmed Rabea, Mohamed Shat’a, Saif Jafar, Abdul Hamid Maali, Amr Nasser, Saif El-Diziri

The coach’s formation underlines a preference for a three-man midfield with Donya anchoring, alongside Sayed and Maher supplying the creative thrust, while the defense continues to rely on Moroccan winger-talent Pantik in a central role with Abdel Majid and Ismail.

Ferreira’s attacking trio—Banzo, Adi Al-Dabag, and Juan Bizera—offers a mix of power and speed aimed at puncturing Bank Al Ahly’s back line from wide and through the middle.

Meanwhile, BarONE Oshining and his rehabilitation process were highlighted as he trained separately ahead of the match, after being rested from the matchday squad by the coach.

With the league standing seeing Zamalek in fifth on 18 points, the Bank Al Ahly clash represents a chance to reclaim momentum and restore confidence among supporters amid broader administrative tensions.

On the administrative front, Zamalek’s leadership, led by Chairman Hussein Labib, has advanced negotiations to resolve part of the delayed player salaries, coordinating with the club’s sporting director to stabilize team morale before critical league and continental fixtures.

This concerted push signals a broader strategy to restore internal harmony and refocus attention on football rather than off-field disputes.

Punchline time: If this saga were a transfer, it would be a one-way deal—straight to the headlines. Punchline two: The only thing more committed than Zamalek’s filing is Ferreira’s commitment to a balanced midfield—no pressure, just perfect balance, like a seesaw with better vibes.