The Egyptian Handball Federation (EHF) has formally asked Zamalek for an explanation for the unjustified absence of four handball players in Qatar. Zamalek finished fourth in the IHF Super Globe, but quartet Belel Awad, Mohamed Abdel Salam Risha, Mohamed Mamdouh Hashem and goalkeeper Karim Hendawy didn't return to Cairo with their teammates – and without permission. Their surprise absence fuelled reports that they could play for a foreign team by obtaining another citizenship. “This idea is impossible because it needs our authorisation,” Ismail Mohamed Ali, the chief executive of the EHF, was quoted as saying by Al-Ahram Arabic portal. “Despite the current financial crisis in Egypt we are confident that they are loyal to their club and the national team, who are preparing to begin their 2012 London Games qualifiers campaign next January,” he added.
