Emad, who joined Zamalek in the close season on a free transfer, went AWOL after having his request to terminate his deal turned down by the Cairo giants.

The 28-year-old said he sought to leave the club after failing to adapt to life in Egypt but reports suggested that he was tempted by an Iranian offer.

He is due to join up with the Iraqi national team to take part in the Gulf Cup of Nations, which will take place in Yemen from November 22 to December 4.

"We informed the Iraqi Football Association that we refused to give Emad the permission to play in the Gulf Cup," Zamalek board member Tarek Ghoneim told FilGoal.com on Wednesday.

"Our refusal obliges Emad to report back to training or he will be heavily sanctioned by FIFA."

The clubs can prevent their players from participating in the Gulf Cup of Nations, which is not included in FIFA's international calendar because it is a regional tournament.

Emad has made just two substitute appearances since his summer arrival.

He recently offered $250,000 to buy out the remainder of his contract with Zamalek but coach Hossam Hassan rejected his request.

Hassan said Emad would only be allowed to leave if Zamalek received an official offer 'which should be financially beneficial to the club'.