The latest sanction lands at a moment of painful irony; as Zamalek are top of the Egyptian Premier League and preparing to contest the CAF Confederation Cup final.

The world football governing body published the new registration ban on its official website, though neither FIFA nor the club disclosed the identity of the creditor behind the latest case.

Local news outlets reported that the latest ban is directly linked to outstanding payments owed to former Beninese striker Samson Akinyoola, who left the team in late 2024 to join Kuwaiti side Kazma SC, is owed approximately $450,000 in unpaid wages and settlement fees.

The 17th ban follows hard on the heels of the 16th, imposed on 6 May, which related to outstanding payments owed to former Belgian coach Yannick Ferrera and his technical staff, a debt estimated at around $400,000, as the ruling went uncontested after the club failed to file an appeal.

The sheer volume of cases against Zamalek reflects the depth of a financial crisis that has been building for months.

In total, Zamalek must settle approximately $6.17 6.17 million (around EGP 330 million) to resolve all outstanding cases and have their registration rights restored.

The Cairo-based must settle all outstanding cases before the end of May to obtain the licence required to participate in inter-club competitions organized by the Confederation of African Football next season.

The administrative turmoil stands in stark contrast to Zamalek's performances on the field, as the White Knights sit at the top of the Egyptian Premier League table with 53 points following a slim 1-0 win over Smouha SC, keeping their title ambitions very much alive.

The Egyptian giants are preparing to face Algeria's USM Alger in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final, following a late 1-0 defeat in the first leg.

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