The Egyptian FA rejected Zamalek's request to amplify the suspension of striker Amr Zaki to the international level. The Cairo club imposed a one-month ban on the 24-year-old striker on Saturday, and the Zamalek board were hoping to prevent him from representing Egypt throughout his ban period. However, EFA president Samir Zaher dismissed the possibility that Zaki's ban would apply internationally. "It is not acceptable that a player is banned from representing the national team because he has an internal problem with his club," Zaher told reporters. "Zamalek didn't even an inquiry into the matter and the national team has nothing to do with the case." The under-fire forward was punished by Zamalek after criticizing the team publicly and insisting to retire from football due to his disappointment with the club's current status. Zaki has been recalled to Egypt's 2008 African Nations Cup qualifier against Botswana on October 13th, as well as the friendly at Japan four days later.
