CAIRO: Zamalek accused arch-rivals Ahly of trying to influence the Egyptian FA over the ongoing transfer dispute of Egypt forward Mohamed Nagi ‘Geddo’.
The Cairo duo face an anxious wait as the EFA is likely to make a final decision over the headline-grabbing issue on Sunday.
Geddo could be fined and suspended after he signed a deal with Zamalek last January before extending his contract with Alexandria-based club Ittihad. He eventually moved to Ahly in the summer.
"The statements of Ahly officials include threats to the EFA, and this is totally unacceptable," Zamalek vice-president Raouf Gasser said in the club’s daily newsletter.
"Those threats aim to put pressure on the EFA before they make their decision.
"The EFA should turn a blind eye to Ahly’s attempts and implement the regulations of (world governing body) FIFA."
Gasser did not clarify the nature of the threats nor disclosed the name of the Ahly officials whom he accuses of trying to influence the EFA.
National Hero
Geddo admitted that he signed a deal to join Zamalek when his initial contract with Ittihad was due to expire at the end of last season.
He was deemed a national hero after scoring five goals to play a key role in Egypt’s unprecedented third successive African Cup of Nations triumph in Angola.
He still made headlines after he returned home, but for the wrong reasons.
He extended his contract with Ittihad after apparently paying no attention to the deal he penned with Zamalek to land himself into hot water with the White Knights.
He further infuriated Zamalek after opting to join their bitter foes Ahly in the close season.
"Geddo’s move to Ahly contrasts all the morals and principles the players should follow," Gasser added.
"The influence of some people prompts the players to be fully focused on mere financial matters regardless of any commitments."
Zamalek seek an EGP 30 million compensation which they believe Geddo should pay as a penalty for a contract breach.
They also want the 25-year-old, who could make his Ahly debut in their African Champions League clash against Ismaili on Sunday, to be suspended.
