Cairo: Wigan Athletic have refused to allow Amr Zaki participate in Zamalek s Egyptian Super Cup game against arch-rivals Ahly on Sunday.
Zaki, who has recently joined Wigan on a season-long loan, had been hoping to take part in the anticipated game before linking up with his new teammates.
Zamalek contacted Wigan to have their approval but the Latics turned down their request.
Zaki will not be available for our encounter against Ahly, Zamalek assistant coach Tarek Yehia admitted.
The club would have considered not fielding the player anyway after learning the problem which happened to Ahly’s Emad Meteb.
Meteb featured in Ahli s 2-1 Champions League victory over Zamalek on Sunday despite agreeing a deal to join English championship side Bristol City. City voiced their frustration afterwards and reports surfaced that they have pulled the plug on Meteb s deal.
Away from Egypt, Zaki seemingly doesn t believe that any number could bring bad luck after choosing to wear the number 13 shirt with Wigan Athletic.
For me it has always been a lucky number! the Egypt striker told Wigan’s official website on Wednesday.
Zaki used to wear the number 13 kit when he played for one-time Egyptian Cup winners ENPPI.
He put in some impressive displays with the petroleum club before joining Zamalek few seasons later.
The 25-year-old couldn t take his favorite number after moving to the White Castle as veteran left-back Tarek Al-Sayed used to wear it.
But now he has a chance to reunite with number 13, which is widely considered as an unlucky number among Europeans.
Germany and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has been one of few European footballers who chose to wear the number 13 jersey.
