Mahmoud Shikabala: Zamalek’s Player Ban Reduced To Eight Games

Zamalek winger Mahmoud Shikabala’s misconduct ban has been reduced from eight months to eight games, Ducor Sports can reveal.

The Egyptian Football Federation’s independent regulatory commission partially upheld an appeal loged by Zamalek.

Shikabala was banned in August after being accused of repeating the agitation of the fans, insulting the federation, disrespecting the coronation ceremonies, verbal abuse and friction with officials of the federation after the match between Zamalek and Al-Ahly Bank.

“The appeals committee has decided to amend its decision and slash the ban to eight games,” read a statement carried on the EFA’s official social media accounts.

The 35-year-old football star was fined EGP 500,000  ($31,750) which has now been reduced to  EGP 250,000($15900).

In a statement, Zamalek said they were “extremely disappointed and frustrated” that Shikabala must still serve a ban.

Shikabala maintains that he never insulted anyone, and local media reports suggest that he might head to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) to revoke the “unjust” sanction.

“I didn’t insult Al Ahly, I was celebrating with the fans, and they were the ones who were insulting and not me, and this happened before,” he said earlier this month in an interview with KingFut.

“Al Ahly fans insulted the Zamalek president and the club issued a statement claiming that they couldn’t control the fans, as Al Ahly players celebrated while the crowd was cursing.

“Whoever said Zamalek will receive seven penalty kicks, are the ones who deserve the punishment because they are the reason for inciting fans.”