Egypt midfielder Hosni Abd-Rabou will remain with Ismaili despite FIFA's demand of sending the player's ITC to Strasbourg. The Egyptian Football Association announced on Thursday that Abd-Rabou will continue to play for the Dervishes until the World soccer governing body gives a final verdict. The EFA have received a fax from FIFA confirming that Strasbourg's appeal has been accepted and demanding Abd-Rabou's ITC to be sent to the French Football Federation. Ismaili haven't been able to fulfill their obligation within the fixed delays and Strasbourg should return the 800 000 euros they received from the Egyptian club. FIFA also said that Ismaili have a 21-day to appeal the decision. Last August, FIFA rejected a request from the FFF to register Abd-Rabou in Strasbourg's squad but didn't elaborate whether Ismaili can register him or not. But the EFA decided after an emergency meeting that FIFA's refusal means that Ismaili are entitled to register the player, especially as they already have his ITC. Abd-Rabou played for Ismaili in the League and the CAF Confederations Cup since then. Chairman Yehia Al-Koumii announced on Thursday that the FIFA last ruling doesn't mean Abd-Rabou has to return to Strasbourg and that the final decision hasn't been taken yet.
