FIFPRO warns players against signing for Egyptian Premier League clubs

The caution comes in light of a disturbing rise in labour conflicts involving issues such as non-payment of salaries and abusive behaviour within the Egyptian football scene.

The body warned players against handing over their passports to club officials, even if told it was required to obtain a residency or work permit, as the retention of travel documents had been used to force players to sign termination agreements.

FIFPRO also warned players not to sign blank contracts and to retain one signed version of the contract, while also ensuring the correct currency was stipulated on it.

In a statement on their website, the players’ union highlights the increasing labour conflicts and emphasizes that such a move may potentially lead to legal proceedings.

“In recent times FIFPRO has seen a spike in labour conflicts in Egypt, concerning both the non-payment of salaries and abusive behaviour such as the confiscation of passports, forgery, and blackmail,” the statement read.

However, there are currently almost 30 Nigerian players plying their trade in the Egyptian top-flight League, with several others showcasing their talents in the second-tier.

Meanwhile, clubs like Zamalek, Egyptian Premier League champions for the last two seasons, Al-Ismaily and Pharco have in the last few years been handed hefty fines and transfer bans due to non-payment of salaries and breaches of contracts.