CAIRO: The court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld FIFA's decision to suspend Zamalek's talented winger Mahmoud “Shikabala” Abdel Razeq for six months, according to PAOK Saloniki.

The Greek club said in a statement on their website that the CAS ruling came in their favor.

"Zamalek's appeal against Shikabala's ban has been rejected," the club said.

The suspension, if confirmed, will come as a massive blow to Zamalek, who are preparing for two important games against arch-rivals Ahly next month.

Zamalek will face Ahly in the CAF Champions League on July 20. Both sides meet again seven days later in the Egyptian Super Cup.

Initial Decision

Shikabala was handed a six-month ban and a €990,000 euros fine for making an illegitimate move from PAOK to Zamalek.

Upon the Cairo giants' appeal, the CAS froze the ban until announcing their final ruling regarding the transfer wrangle.

Zamalek may now opt to sell star striker Amr Zaki to Wigan Athletic to gain the funds needed to pay Shikabala's hefty fine.