The Egyptian club Zamalek faces a real threat of missing out on African tournaments for the 2026/27 season due to financial difficulties. The club is at risk of exclusion from continental competitions due to debts exceeding $5 million. Reports indicate that the debts are related to unpaid salaries for former coaches and players, as well as liabilities to foreign clubs. According to the regulations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Zamalek is required to settle all its financial disputes and clear its outstanding debts by May 31, 2026. If the management fails to resolve these issues by the deadline, the club will be denied the 'Professional Club License', a mandatory requirement for participating in any continental competition. This would mean the official exclusion of Zamalek, even if it achieves a qualifying position in the domestic league. This crisis comes at a time when Zamalek is topping the Egyptian Premier League table with 43 points, making it the prime candidate to return to the Champions League.
