“It’s not like some reports claimed that they want to terminate their contracts. The players are just trying to have their late wages,” Zamalek chairman Galal Ibrahim told FilGoal.com.

“We are trying by any means possible to make that happen.”

Zamalek have been encountering continuous financial problems since the departure of wealthy businessman Mamdouh Abbas, who was replaced by Ibrahim last year.

Seven months

The Zamalek players’ appeal is led by skipper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed, who revealed a massive frustration behind the move.

“I present the players because I am the captain. I am not leading a revolt here!” the Egypt keeper said.

“Players asked me to do something more than once and I kept urging them to be patient, but the same problem is occurring over and over without being resolved, so I had to take action.

“I hope that those who criticize me would answer this; is it possible for someone who hasn’t been paid his regular salary for seven months to remain silent?!

“Hani Saied and I in particular have not received one cent since October 2010. We spoke with the management and the board many times, but to no avail.

“What’s amazing is that the board paid some players their salaries, while other received nothing!”

In addition to Abdul-Wahed and Saied, players include Ahmed Gaafar, Hazem Emam, Alaa Ali and Qatari Hussein Yasser.

Meanwhile, FilGoal.com has learnt that manager Hossam Hassan called for a team meeting in an attempt to talk the players out of their stance.