Chico Banza is the Key Reason Behind Zamalek's New Registration Ban

A responsible source inside Zamalek Club revealed the reason behind the decision by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to suspend the club's registration for the seventh time, confirming that the latest decision is due to a new complaint filed against the White Castle.

The source confirmed to "Al-Shorouk" that the new registration suspension came because of a complaint from the Portuguese club Estrela da Amadora, demanding payment of its overdue financial dues from Zamalek related to the transfer deal of the Angolan player Chico Banza.

The source explained that the suspension decision will be lifted once Zamalek Club settles the overdue payments to the Portuguese club, similar to previous cases that were resolved after commitment to payment.

FIFA announced today, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the suspension of Zamalek Club's registration in a new case, which is the seventh among the cases filed against the club, just 14 days after the suspension decision was issued in the sixth case related to the Tunisian player Ferjani Sassi.

FIFA stated on its official website that the new suspension decision prevents Zamalek from registering players for three registration periods, joining previous similar decisions issued against the club recently.

Thus, Zamalek is suspended from registering players for three registration periods in cases involving Ferjani Sassi, Swiss coach Christian Gross, in addition to the new seventh case, with the suspension to be lifted upon payment of the overdue financial dues.

Previous suspension decisions were issued due to overdue financial dues for the former Portuguese head coach José Gomes and his staff, along with other claims.

FIFA has not yet officially disclosed the details or reasons for the seventh case, while Christian Gross is demanding $133,000 for his overdue dues, and Ferjani Sassi is demanding $505,000 after adding an annual interest rate of 5% for the years of delay.