Ismailia residents were full of joy after Hosni Abd-Rabou returned to the governorate on Saturday, showing their gratitude for the midfielder who expressed his desire to stay at Ismaili. Despite admitting that he signed a four-year deal with Ahli, Abd-Rabou made a U-turn and decided to stay with the Dervishes. "I returned to Ismailia to meet the fans whose reception was fabulous," Abd-Rabou told FilGoal.com. "I want to stay here next season. I've sent a letter to FIFA confirming my desire and I hope it will influence their decision regarding my future." Abd-Rabou's issue is far from over, as FIFA are currently holding their investigation to determine the player's next destination. French club Strasbourg claim that they own the Egypt international after Ismaili failed to pay the due 500,000 euros to turn the player's loan deal into permanent one. Ismaili insist that they paid the money on time and filed a complaint to FIFA to have Abd-Rabou at their disposal next season. Strasbourg have agreed to sell Abd-Rabou to Ismaili's rivals Ahli, the action which infuriated the Dervishes' football-mad fans. The 23-year-old said he hopes to be given the green light to participate in Ismaili's CAF Confederation Cup match against Al-Merrikh of Sudan on the 22nd of July. However, he stated that he will support his teammates even if his situation doesn't become clear in the coming days.
