Zamalek chairman Mamdouh Abbas insists that suspended midfielder Mahmoud Abdul-Razeq 'Shikabala' has been given the all-clear to return to action by FIFA. "Shikabala is available for selection. He can play against Rwanda's APR in the Champions League tomorrow," Abbas told the club's official website on Friday. There was confusion over the availability of Shikabala after some contradicting news emerged from Zamalek and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA). Zamalek claimed that Shikabala, who was hit with a six-month suspension, would be available for their upcoming matches after FIFA agreed to allow him play. According to the Cairo giants, the talented winger is free to play until The Court of Arbitration for Sport announces a final verdict. "The letter we received from The CAS was clear. They gave us the green light to field the player," Abbas added. However, the EFA warned Zamalek of fielding Shikabala, insisting that they are yet to receive any confirmation from the world governing body. The 21-year-old 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. FIFA said PAOK must be granted compensation.
