English Premier League
Zamalek granted CAF Champions League licence after meeting all criteria
Zamalek have confirmed they have officially received their licence to compete in the CAF Champions League, clearing the way for the Egyptian champions to return to Africa’s elite club competition.
The Cairo club announced on Saturday evening that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had approved their participation after the club fulfilled all regulatory and licensing requirements.
Zamalek, who secured qualification for the CAF Champions League by winning the Egyptian Premier League last season, said the decision was a direct response to doubts raised in recent weeks over their eligibility.
In a statement published on their official account on X, the club framed the outcome as proof that their off-field work had matched their public assurances, using the headline: “Approval of Zamalek’s Champions League licence is a response to the doubters… it’s actions that matter, not words.”
Licensing process completed
According to the statement, CAF ratified Zamalek’s Champions League licence once the “White Knights” had met all the conditions required under the continental body’s club licensing regulations.
Zamalek said they had submitted all necessary documentation and supporting papers to the Club Licensing Committee, which is chaired by counsellor Mahmoud Abdeen, adding that the committee carried out a full and detailed review of the file in line with the applicable rules.
The club stressed that the licensing body handled the case with “complete neutrality and transparency”, and that every step of the process was implemented “without favouritism”.
Response to critics
Zamalek used the announcement to address criticism and speculation surrounding their position, saying that securing the African licence was the clearest answer to those who had questioned the club’s status.
The statement underlined that the club’s leadership had deliberately avoided entering into public disputes while the procedure was under way, choosing instead to “remain silent” and work “calmly” until every formality had been completed and the club’s situation confirmed as sound.
It added that Zamalek’s focus throughout had been on finalising the licensing file in a way that reflects “the name and history of Zamalek”, rather than engaging in verbal exchanges with critics.
The statement concluded: “The most important thing in the end is actions, not words, and the aim was always to close this file in a manner befitting Zamalek’s name and history.”
With the licence now confirmed, Zamalek can proceed with preparations for their return to the CAF Champions League, where they will represent Egypt as reigning league champions.
