Zamalek are set to file a complaint with FIFA against Qatar after the Gulf country seemingly decided to keep hold of Hussein Yasser without the club's approval. Yasser joined up with Qatar to play a friendly game against Haiti on Thursday and was scheduled to return to Cairo to take part in Zamalek's Egyptian Premier League game against Masri on Sunday. But speaking to FilGoal.com from Qatar, Yasser said earlier on Friday that he had no option but to stay with his national team until the Gulf Cup of Nations begins on November 22. "The Qatar Football Association and coach Bruno Metsu insisted to keep me until the start of the tournament," the Egyptian-born attacking midfielder said. "They told me that I would not be in the team's plans for the Gulf Cup if I returned to Cairo. "I tried to contact (Zamalek coach) Hossam Hassan but I couldn't because he is in Saudi Arabia to perform (annual Muslim) pilgrimage." French tactician Metsu recently named Yasser in Qatar's 23-man squad for the Gulf Cup of Nations. Zamalek said earlier this month they considered not allowing the 26-year-old to participate in the regional tournament, which will be held in Yemen, because it is not included in FIFA's calendar.
Yasser's Zamalek future unclear The White Knights were further incensed after learning that Yasser would not be available for the game against Masri. "We have the right to keep hold of our player," Zamalek football director Ibrahim Hassan, the twin brother of the head coach, commented. "Qatar only had the right to play Yasser in the friendly game and we allowed them to do so, but they don't have the right to play him in the Gulf Cup against our will. "We will notify the Egyptian FA and ask them to file a complaint to (world governing body) FIFA." Yasser has been involved in several disputes with Hossam Hassan and Zamalek's board of directors since joining last January after terminating his contract with arch rivals Ahli. Late returns from international duty and his constant demands to improve his contract did go down well with the club. Yasser's agent also criticized Hassan for his client's lack of regular opportunities this season although he was an integral member of Zamalek's squad last term.