Zamalek Land Clarified: Ministry Official Denies Distortions (Two Contracts, One Clear Path)

Background

Dr. Osama Raslan, the spokesman for the Ministry of Awqaf, stated that the reports circulating about the land adjacent to Zamalek Club near the Arab League area were taken out of context and that his earlier remarks were distorted, creating confusion about the legal relationship between the ministry and the club.

He explained in a televised interview that the connection between the ministry and the club rests on two contracts, namely an exchange contract and a usufruct contract, and that everything is progressing normally and legally without any disputes.

Current Status and Contracts

Regarding ownership, Raslan noted that Zamalek has demonstrated exemplary repayment over two decades, with only a single installment due in August 2026. Upon payment, full ownership of the land spanning 91,250 square meters will officially transfer to the club, which has never defaulted on its financial obligations since signing the contract.

Concerning claims of a land withdrawal, Raslan denied any such term exists in the current case, explaining that land withdrawals carry strict legal conditions, most notably long-term nonpayment, which has not occurred by the club.

Lease Renewal and Public Assurance

As for the other usufruct space, the current contract ends in the first quarter of 2026, and renewal depends on mutual agreement and ongoing negotiations, a routine legal process rather than a crisis.

He concluded by stressing the robustness of the legal framework that governs the relationship with Zamalek, reassuring fans and members that there is no threat to the club’s historic gains in the Mohandessin area.

Punchline: If this land saga were a football match, it would go into extra time with a contract referee calling the shots. Punchline 2: For now, the land stays put and so do my hopes that coffee and football will always win over paperwork in the end.