Essam Al-Hadari's controversial move to Sion does reflect the stubbornness of Egyptian clubs in releasing their star players. The Egyptian League is not widely watched, so when an opportunity comes up for a local-based player to move abroad he grasps it with both hands. "I was dreaming of playing in Europe. It was the last chance for me to move abroad because I'm not young," the 35-year-old Al-Hadari said after being labeled as a 'traitor' by many. The Egypt guardian, who produced a scintillating display in Egypt's African Cup of Nations triumphant campaign, decided to depart Ahli in bizarre circumstances. He initially believed that invoking article 17 of FIFA rules would allow him to leave the Red Devils without their approval. Al-Hadari's stance came few days after Ahli snubbed a $400,000 offer from Swiss side Sion to acquire his services. Many may question the decisions of players to leave Egypt and join Europe's relatively weak leagues, but from the players' point of view, a transitional period is a must for any Egyptian footballer to seal a dream move to one of European giants. "Maybe Ahli have a better reputation than Sion, but playing in Switzerland could allow me join a bigger team in Europe," said Al-Hadari, making his ambition clear. Al-Hadari made a U-turn later on and returned back to Ahli, apparently after learning that his legal stance wouldn't do him any favor if the Egyptian champions took his case to FIFA. However, the long-lasting feuds are unlikely to be resolved in the near future. Past Problems Al-Hadari's transfer wrangle was an episode in a long series of arguments between Egyptian stars and their clubs.
Both Ibrahim Saied were both linked to Sheffield United Egypt's prolific striker Amr Zaki ended an unsuccessful spell with Lokomotiv Moscow to join Zamalek, but he dreamt of playing abroad once again. Almost a few months after his arrival in 2006, Zaki began to convince Zamalek that several English clubs are interested in his services and that he wants to depart. The Cairo giants never agreed to grant him his wish, putting hefty price tags to release their star. Prominent Egyptian defender Ibrahim Saied twice tried to leave Ahli and play abroad after earning plaudits for his splendid displays despite his controversial attitudes. However, his attempts to join Belgian club Gent and Premiership side Everton ended up in complete failure. Saied only managed to have a brief spell at The Toffees just when he succeeded in getting Ahli's approval. Unrealistic Demands The Egyptians clubs' financial demands do surely hamper any potential move for a desperate player. Ahli and Zamalek in particular value their stars so highly that interested European clubs turn their attentions elsewhere. It becomes much easier for those clubs to search for young talents in Africa rather than gambling on paying a large fee for a player who may fail to adapt to life abroad. This is the way it goes in Egypt.
