Ismaili opted against punishing the seven players whom they accused of initiating a strike in protest over unpaid wages. The team's training was called off on Tuesday after the majority of Ismaili players refused to go on the pitch to pressure the club into accepting their demands. Ismaili said they could rely on youngsters during the remainder of the Egyptian Premier League campaign, insisting that the players had no right to complain because 'they received their dues on time'. The Dervishes, who lie fourth in the league table, were considering sanctioning 'the seven culprits'. The seven-man list featured skipper Mohamed Hommos, goalkeepers Mohamed Fathi and Mohamed Sobhi, striker Mohamed Mohsen Abou-Greisha and defenders Ayman Ramadan, Ahmed Al-Gamal and Ahmed Samir Farag. But the rest of the players stood by their teammates. They threatened not to play Friday's league game against Harras Hodoud if Ismaili banned their teammates. Their warning eventually paid off as the club decided not to impose any sanctions on the players. Ismaili's persistent financial problems landed them in several troubles this season. Egypt goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari, who joined last summer, also staged a strike for several matches earlier this season after Ismaili failed to fulfill their financial obligations towards him. The club won the last of their three league titles in 2002 under former Egypt coach Mohsen Saleh. They finished runners-up to bitter rivals and champions Ahli last term under the guidance of Ricardo Ricardo Ferreira but dismissed the Brazilian after the end of the season.
