CAIRO: Zamalek interim president Galal Ibrahim called on former club chairman Mamdouh Abbas to 'live up to his word' by financially helping the Cairo side offer defender Mahmoud Fathallah a new deal. Abbas was sacked as the Whites chief in November shortly after attorney Mortada Mansour, also a former Zamalek president, had an appeal against the legitimacy of the club previous presidential elections accepted. For over a year Abbas gave Zamalek sufficient financial muscle, splashing cash to bolster the team and offering their stars lucrative contracts. But after the wealthy businessman was relieved of his duties, the five-time African champions sank deep into the red, with their debts rising over LE 100 million. Abbas lodged an appeal against the ruling that cost him his position and the court of law is yet to return a final verdict. However, Ibrahim, who took the helm on a temporary basis until Zamalek's next elections in 2011, said Abbas should keep supporting the Mohandiseen-based outfit regardless of his status. "Abbas ought to help Zamalek renew the contract of Fathallah as he promised," Ibrahim told Modern TV. "He should have paid Fathallah the first payment of the new deal but he postponed their meeting for no good reason." Zamalek have reached an agreement with Fathallah to extend his stay after prolonged negotiations. The Egypt international is reportedly targeted by Egyptian champions Ahly.
