Zamalek to consider preventing players from joining national team

Zamalek board member Ahmed Soliman has expressed frustration over the perceived lack of opportunities for the club’s players in the Egyptian national team.

Speaking on MBC Masr, Soliman revealed plans to propose that Zamalek players not be made available for national team duty if current selection practices persist.

“As a Zamalek board member, I am extremely frustrated by the limited chances given to our players,” Soliman said.

He cited specific examples, stating: “Omar Gaber was not selected, despite receiving widespread praise for his performances. Meanwhile, some clubs have two players in the same position called up.

“Mohamed Shehata only played two minutes before getting injured, and Hossam Abdelmeguid, who I believe is the best center-back, remained on the bench. Mohamed Awad, who was instrumental in helping Zamalek win the Confederation Cup and CAF Super Cup, didn’t even get a chance to play.”

Soliman stressed that such treatment warranted reconsideration: “I intend to approach the board to seek their approval for our players not to join the national team.

“If this is how Zamalek players are treated, then perhaps it is better they don’t go. Of course, this is not my decision alone, but I will formally submit my recommendation to the board.”

He also pointed out that some foreign-based players are not always called up to the national team and suggested a similar approach for Zamalek”. It is better that we keep our players at the club. It is our right to hold them out if this continues,” Soliman concluded.