Zamalek’s Mahmoud Shikabala has been handed an eight months ban by Egyptian Football Federation after being found guilty of abusing its President, Ahmed Megahed.
The 35-year-old winger was involved in an altercation with Megahed after the football boss refused to properly hand the EPL trophy to the Zamalek team during the Friday night’s coronation.
“Shikabala is suspended for eight months and given an EGP 500,000 (roughly $31,750) fine for inciting fans, insulting the EFA and verbally abusing its officials as well as not respecting the league’s coronation ceremony,” the Egyptian football governing body said in a statement.
Shikabala, who is reported to have denied the allegations, has 14 days to appeal against the decision.
Zamalek said they were surprised by the decision with the board of directors stating that they have completely rejected the disciplinary punishments on Shikabala together with un-named player.
“Zamalek club rejects the punishment issued by the Egyptian Football Association,” reads part of the club’s statement as translated from Arabic.
“The punishments for Zamalek players were not decided according to any official rules or laws.
“We have the right to reject these punishments, and we will do that no matter what the consequences are to protect the club and its players.”
Shikabala is not new to controversies as in March this year, he was handed a two-game ban for pointing to his shoe in an apparent insulting gesture to a small contingent of Ahly supporters during Cairo Derby.
However, he was one of Zamalek’s key players recently concluded football season, even though he can barely complete 90 minutes due to fitness issues.
