Egyptian club Zamalek have decided to register their playmaker Mahmoud Abdel-Razek 'Shikabala' on 15 July when the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) opens its transfer window. The 27-year-old forward signed a one-year loan deal with UAE side Al-Wasl last summer, but the Gulf team ended his spell amicably on 9 February after the closure of the winter transfer window. The Cairo giants had asked FIFA for an exception to allow them to register the player with their squad based on Article 6 of FIFA regulations. However, the world football body turned down Zamalek's request since the player had terminated his contract with Al-Wasl after the closure of the winter transfer window. Shikabala has two years remaining on his contract with Zamalek, which is set to expire in the summer of 2015. Zamalek will also register Hani Said and Ahmed El-Merghany on the same date. The White Castle have decisive matches ahead as they prepare for the group stage of the CAF Champions League, kicking off 20 July against rivals Ahly. Ahly and Zamalek booked their place in the Egyptian Premier League final round after topping Groups A and B respectively, while Ismaily came as the runner-up of Group B. ENPPI and Smouha are competing for Group A runner-up spot as the two sides have the same number of points. This season's Egyptian Premier League is played over two groups for the fifth time in the competition's 65-year history after the Port Said massacre as the winners and runners-up of each group will qualify for the semifinals. Egypt's premier domestic competition was held with the same format in the 1957-58, 1962-63, 1963-64 and 1975-76 seasons. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/73233.aspx
