The free transfer of Ahmed Sayed, known as Zizo, from Zamalek to archrival Al Ahly has sparked a fierce legal dispute. John Edward, Zamalek’s sporting director, has stepped in assertively amid the escalating conflict as the player prepares to debut with his new club at the 2025 Club World Cup.
Egyptian football is witnessing a heated controversy following the high-profile free transfer of Ahmed Sayed Zizo from Zamalek to Al Ahly. The 29-year-old’s contract with Zamalek officially expired after the 2025 Egypt Cup final, allowing him to sign a four-year deal with Al Ahly and join their squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
However, the transfer was met with strong opposition from Zamalek’s side. John Edward, the club’s sporting director, has launched a legal challenge alleging that negotiations between Al Ahly and Zizo commenced prematurely while he was still under contract with Zamalek. This legal action aims to defend Zamalek’s rights and serve as a warning for future transfers between bitter rivals.
This situation places John Edward at the forefront of a significant legal battle, underlining Zamalek’s determination to protect its interests. The dispute highlights the historic and intense rivalry between the two Cairo giants. For Zizo, now officially an Al Ahly player, this represents a pivotal career move, with ambitions to win titles and make an impact both continentally and globally.
Zizo’s transfer also ignited a social media firestorm, with Al Ahly fans welcoming the signing enthusiastically, while Zamalek supporters condemned it as a betrayal, further fueling the rivalry’s passion.
As the legal dispute escalates, John Edward appears determined to pursue the matter vigorously, reflecting Zamalek’s strategic approach to preserving its rights and prestige amid this landmark transfer. This clash vividly illustrates how entwined sporting and legal issues have become in modern Egyptian football.
