Zamalek's early recall of Mohamed Atef blocked by FIFA regulations and loaning club

Zamalek is weighing an early recall of winger Mohamed Atef to replace Juan Pizera, but a FIFA registration ban and the loaning club's coach block the move.

• Talaea El-Geish coach Gomaa Mashhour said he will refuse any formal Zamalek request to cut Mohamed Atef's two-season loan, calling the winger a key player.
• Zamalek is reportedly considering recalling Atef, who contributed to four goals in five matches, to replace Pizera after his sale to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai.
• FIFA rules (Article 25(3)(a)) let a club under a registration ban recall a loaned player only when the loan ends naturally, not through early termination.
• Zamalek faced the same obstacle in 2021-22, when cutting Ahmed Eid's loan from Ismaily left the player unregistered for a season.