Zamalek have confirmed on Saturday that they won't take part in the Egyptian Super Cup, which is scheduled for August ninth, in order not to hamper their pre-season program. A Zamalek official told FilGoal.com that the club have sent a letter to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to formally inform them of the decision. The Cairo giants have recently hinted they intend to pull out of the competition especially that the team haven't won either the Egyptian League or the cup last season. Ahli have clinched the double and the EFA decided that they will face their arch-rivals Zamalek, who finished the league as runners-up. However, Zamalek boss Henri Michel was not content with the decision and told the club's board to consider skipping the Super Cup. The Frenchman believes the match's timing is not suitable to Zamalek's pre-season program, as they will return from France, where they are holding their training camp, just two days before the game.
Wissem El-Abdi's future uncertain EFA have stated previously that Zamalek will be handed an EGP 250,000 fine if they do not participate. Meanwhile, Zamalek have refused to send Wissem El-Abdi's International Transfer Certificate to his former club Sfaxien, insisting that their stance regarding the player's ownership is right. Sfaxien demand the Tunisian defender to head back to the club as Zamalek did not fulfill their financial obligations towards them. However, Zamalek insist they paid Sfaxien's dues on time and, thus, El-Abdi will remain with the men in white next season. Zamalek told Sfaxien to file a complaint to world governing body FIFA if they insist on having the player back.
