FIFA hit Shikabala with six-month ban

The 21-year-old joined Zamalek from Greece's PAOK Saloniki early this year on the basis that he can not leave Egypt due to military service.

But PAOK voiced their objection and took the case to the world governing body, who seemingly ruled in their favor.

Zamalek chairman Mamdouh Abbas refused to comment on the Greek side's claims on Friday, saying that the club is 'yet to receive anything from FIFA'.

However, Tawfik confirmed that a message from FIFA has been received.

"We received a notification from FIFA that Shikabala will be banned for six months locally, there is a €990,000 fine on the club as well," he told FilGoal.com on Saturday.

"The club will appeal the decision, we are confident that the sanction will be reduced."

The suspension only applies to the local level. Shikabala can catch Egypt's 2008 African Cup of Nations campaign in Ghana next January.

Even though the midfield wizard is already suspended by Egypt after his inappropriate behavior in last summer's Pan African Games in Algeria, it is believed that the Egyptian FA are about to lift the ban.