After a post-match squabble, the former AFCON star, alongside two others, was sentenced to prison
Ex-Africa Cup of Nations star Nabil Emad, along with Zamalek teammate Mostafa Shalaby and sporting director Abdel Wahed El Sayed, has been sentenced to one month in prison and fined ₦90 million (200,000 dirhams or $55,000) each.
The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court issued the sentence following an altercation during the Egyptian Super Cup semi-final between Zamalek and Pyramids, which took place at Al Nahyan Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
Zamalek players sentenced for altercation
Zamalek edged past Pyramids with a 5-4 win in a tense penalty shootout on October 20 in the Super Cup semi-final, but the aftermath saw these three Zamalek representatives involved in an incident with a stadium organiser, leading to their legal troubles.
The court’s ruling comes after Shalaby, Emad, and El Sayed were found guilty of “committing acts that would disturb public order and incite riots in front of the fans,” according to an official statement on social media platform X.
While details surrounding the specific causes of the altercation remain undisclosed, Zamalek has refrained from commenting on the incident or the punishment handed down to its players and sporting director.
Zamalek’s lose out on Super Cup
It remains to be seen how these punishments will impact Zamalek on the pitch and in future competitions, but the potential absence of Emad and Shalaby, combined with the financial penalties, could pose challenges for the club as it contends with its league and regional commitments.
Despite their win over Pyramids, in the semi-final, Zamalek were unable to get their hands on the Super Cup trophy as they lost the final to Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly.
Zamalek held their own through normal and extra time in the Egyptian Super League final but ultimately lost out 7-6 on penalties to Al Ahly.