Hosni Abd-Rabou's agent Ahmed Swelam claimed that FIFA have given the midfielder the green light to participate with Ismaili until they announce the final decision regarding his destination. Ismaili and French side Strasbourg both insist that they own the player and the matter was taken to FIFA earlier for a final ruling. Strasbourg agreed to let Abd-Rabou move to Ahli and he has already signed a four-year deal with the Egyptian champions. However, the 22-year-old made a U-turn and expressed his desire to stay with Ismaili, in a letter sent to the world governing body. "After taking the player's desire into their consideration, FIFA said Abd-Rabou can temporarily play with Ismaili until Strasbourg provide the necessary documents for them to begin investigations," Swelam told FilGoal.com on Wednesday.
"FIFA will send a fax to the Egyptian Football Association and the French Football Federation within the next 48 hours to formally inform them of the decision. "Abd-Rabou can now take part in Ismaili's CAF Confederation Cup match against Al-Merrikh on Sunday and can be registered in the club's local squad," he added. Swelam said FIFA may take several months to announce their decision like what happened in Mahmoud Abdul-Razeq 'Shikabala' dispute between Zamalek and Greek side PAOK Saloniki. Abd-Rabou returned to Ismaili last summer on a one-year loan contract from Strasbourg, with an option of making the deal permanent if the Dervishes pay 500,000 euros on June 15th. Strasbourg claim that Ismaili failed to meet the deadline while Ismaili insist that they have paid the money on time.
