Hazem Emam says he repeatedly refused the Zamalek presidency, citing club instability and capacity concerns
Hazem Emam repeatedly declined offers to become Zamalek president, saying club conditions and the need for specific capabilities led him to refuse; he may reconsider if circumstances change.
Hazem Emam, the former Zamalek board member and one of Egypt’s most recognisable former players, has confirmed that he has turned down offers to become the president of Zamalek on several occasions. Speaking to ON Sport, Emam said he was approached about the Zamalek presidency multiple times but chose to decline because the club’s circumstances and his own assessment of competence did not align with the demands of the role. He stressed that reputation and past glories alone are not sufficient to manage a major club in the current environment.
Emam Confirms Multiple Offers Were Declined
Hazem Emam told ON Sport that the position of Zamalek president was offered to him repeatedly and that his default response was refusal. He said the decision reflected careful consideration rather than avoidance of responsibility.
Emam emphasised that his refusals were public and principled, and that praise he received for declining was due to the serious problems affecting the club at the time. He framed the choice as one made in the interest of the institution, rather than for personal gain.
Capability and Club Conditions Behind the Refusals
Emam said his experience in football administration showed him that a high-profile name does not automatically translate into effective leadership. He argued that the presidency requires specific skills, organizational capacity and resilience that were not present at certain moments.
He pointed to structural and operational challenges within the club as part of his reasoning, explaining that unresolved issues would hamper any incoming president’s ability to deliver positive change quickly. Emam suggested that without a clear improvement in conditions, assuming the role would be counterproductive.
Record of Administrative and Public Roles
Throughout his post-playing career, Hazem Emam has held several significant positions, including membership of Zamalek’s board and the Egyptian Football Association council. He has also served as a member of the Egyptian Parliament, giving him experience across sport governance and public service.
Emam used these roles to underline his understanding of the requirements of leadership, saying that his perspective comes from active participation in club and national football administration. That background, he said, informed his decision to decline offers that did not match the resources or environment needed for success.
Changes Since 2005 Affect Suitability of Former Stars
Reflecting on a wider trend, Emam said the landscape has shifted since 2005, when major former players could more readily translate popularity into leadership roles. He argued that changes in fan behaviour, club infrastructure and the composition of general assemblies have made the tasks of club presidents more complex.
These shifts, Emam said, mean that the qualifications required to lead a club like Zamalek extend beyond prestige and public recognition. He warned that nostalgia for former players as leaders can overlook practical demands such as governance systems, financial controls and stakeholder management.
Open to Future Candidacy if Conditions Improve
While Emam made clear he is not currently seeking the presidency, he did not rule out standing in the future. He said that if he felt he had the competence and the club’s conditions improved, he would consider putting himself forward.
Emam described his stance as pragmatic: a willingness to serve when the timing and environment are right, rather than pursuing the title for symbolic reasons. That approach, he said, respects both the club’s needs and the responsibilities of the office.
Concerns Over Respect for Club Leadership Among Members
Emam also criticised the perceived lack of appreciation for club presidents and board members among some segments of general assemblies. He said that in many Egyptian clubs, leaders and administrators are not afforded the respect necessary to carry out long-term reforms.
He warned that this dynamic undermines stability and discourages experienced figures from taking on demanding administrative roles. Emam argued that better recognition of governance work is essential to attract qualified leadership and to support sustainable club development.
In summarising his position, Hazem Emam reiterated that his decisions were motivated by a realistic appraisal of what Zamalek needs to move forward. He said refusal was sometimes the most responsible course of action, and that any future candidacy would depend on genuine improvements in club capacity and governance.
