CAIRO: Fifa have sorted out Hosni Abd-Rabou s transfer wrangle by ruling in favor of French club Strasbourg, Egyptian Football Association (EFA) Vice President Ahmed Shobeir said on Thursday.
Although the EFA have given Ismaili the green light to field Abd-Rabou last month, it now appears that the Egypt international midfielder will return to Strasbourg, which will have the final word on his next destination.
World governing body FIFA rejected a request from the French Football Federation (FFF) to register Abd-Rabou in Strasbourg s squad last month but didn’t elaborate whether Ismaili can register him or not.
But the EFA had decided after an emergency meeting that Fifa’s refusal means that Ismaili are entitled to register the player.
After the latest ruling, it is most likely that Strasbourg will sell Abd-Rabou to Ismaili s rivals Al Ahly as they had an on-hold transfer agreement with the Egyptian champions.
Ismaili have yet to comment on Fifa s decision.
Abd-Rabou played for Ismaili last season on loan from Strasbourg, with an option of a permanent move should the Dervishes pay 500,000 Euros before June 15.
Ismaili said they paid the fees on time but Strasbourg denied the claim and took the case to Fifa.
