Zamalek officials have pledged to pay Moroccan defender Mahmoud Bentayg his outstanding wages next week, in a bid to prevent him from terminating his contract with the club.
The player had given the Egyptian side a ten-day deadline to settle his dues or face legal action. His representatives recently sent an official notice to the club, warning that Bentayg would file a complaint to end his deal if the payments were not made on time.
A source close to the player told FilGoal: “We’ve sent an official notice to Zamalek’s management, informing them that the player will lodge a formal complaint to terminate his contract within ten days if his overdue wages aren’t paid.”
The same source added: “He’s still waiting for the club to reach out to solve the issue amicably before taking legal steps.”
Zamalek are reportedly arranging a meeting with Bentayg in the coming days in an effort to defuse the tension. According to El Watan Sport, the club plans to pay part of his dues within a week, citing appreciation for his professionalism and performances this season.
The Cairo club continues to struggle with severe financial difficulties that have delayed payments to several players and staff.
Bentayg’s agent also revealed that Zamalek have yet to pay the remaining fee owed to his former club, Saint-Étienne. “The player doesn’t want to terminate his contract out of respect for the club,” the agent said, “but the next step could be taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).”
Meanwhile, rivals Al Ahly are said to be closely monitoring the situation as they search for a left-back in the upcoming January transfer window, with Bentayg viewed as a potential target should he leave Zamalek.
Bentayg joined the Cairo giants from Saint-Étienne last summer and has since helped them win both the CAF Super Cup and Egypt Cup. The Moroccan international has made 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and assisting four goals.
He is currently with Morocco’s domestic national team preparing for the Arab Cup.
