Ismaili, a very popular club with a large fan base, could be forced to sell one of their most influential players after being hit with financial troubles.

Central defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil, one of the mainstays of Ismaili's squad, is on his way out of the club to help them extend the contracts of other players.

This is down to the Dervishes' inability to generate revenues. The government, which owns the club and should back it, merely acts as a watcher instead of pumping money into it.

To be honest, the government, which is represented by Ismailia governorate, does not have the sufficient funds to help Ismaili compete with the Egyptian league's big-spenders.

Those stable big spenders are privately-owned clubs who can keep hold of their star players and fend off interest from the likes of Ahli and Zamalek.

The government should put the likes of Ismaili, Ittihad and Masri – who are all struggling in terms of finance – up for sale to allow them become on even terms with teams like Gouna and ENPPI.

Should they do that, they will find many businessmen who could be interested in investing their money in football clubs.

For instance, Zamalek's incumbent chairman and wealthy businessman Mamdouh Abbas, a lifelong fan of the Cairo giants, will care more about his money and about the club if he owns it.

Privatization will lead to a cash flow, clubs will be able to buy quality players and none of them will complain about the government's lack of support.

The government will also feel at ease for not being obliged to financially back the majority of Egyptian clubs.

There is no place for government control in football. The most popular sport in the world should be independent.