Mahmoud Abdul-Razeq 'Shikabala' has been cleared to play for Zamalek by FIFA despite being hit with a six-month ban, club board member Ahmed Hafez said. "FIFA did not lift the ban, they just froze it until a final ruling is announced," Hafez told an Egyptian radio station on Thursday. The pacey winger was handed a six-month suspension and 990,000 euros fine for his illegitimate transfer from PAOK Saloniki to Zamalek. Shikabala was forced to stay in Egypt to serve military duty. World governing body FIFA said PAOK must be granted compensation. Cairo giants Zamalek appealed the decision and are awaiting a final ruling from The Court of Arbitration for Sport. "I'm very happy to learn that I will be finally able to play. I need to return to action to help my teammates," Shikabala said. The 21-year-old will accompany his teammates in their tip to Rwanda as Zamalek begin their CAF Champions League campaign against APR.
