In a new development within the ranks of the Egyptian club Zamalek, Abdel-Wahed El-Sayed, the club’s football director, announced disciplinary sanctions against first-team player Nasser Maher for objecting to the technical staff’s decision to keep him on the bench ahead of the team’s match against Haras El-Hodoud in the 2024-25 Egyptian Premier League. The club decided to suspend the player and refer him to the club’s legal affairs department, with a recommendation to deduct 25% of his financial dues, a move aimed at enhancing discipline within the team.

The incident began when Nasser Maher, the attacking midfielder, expressed his dissatisfaction with Portuguese coach José Peseiro’s decision not to include him in the starting lineup for yesterday’s match against Haras El-Hodoud. According to sources within the club, Maher refused to sit on the bench, which angered the technical staff and prompted Abdel-Wahed El-Sayed to take an immediate decision to contain the situation. El-Sayed confirmed in statements to the club’s media center that “the regulations apply to everyone without exception, and any behavior that violates discipline will be met with strict penalties to maintain team stability.”

This wasn’t the first time Nasser Maher had sparked controversy this season. In February 2025, the player was sent off during Zamalek’s match against Ismaily in the 12th round of the league after assaulting opposing player Mohamed Nasr off the ball in the 85th minute. The incident followed a verbal altercation that included personal insults. This resulted in a hefty fine of EGP 500,000 and a three-match suspension by decision of the Egyptian Football Association, which caused him to miss the summit match against Al Ahly. Maher publicly apologized to Zamalek and Ismaily fans, explaining that his reaction was the result of a “personal insult,” but he accepted the punishment.

The latest incident sparked controversy among Zamalek fans, with some believing the punishment was necessary to stabilize the team, while others believed it could affect the player’s morale at a crucial stage of the season. This decision comes as Zamalek seeks to regain its position at the top of the Egyptian League, facing fierce competition from Al Ahly and Pyramids.