The veteran goalkeeper, who currently plays for Ismaili, was handed a 900,000 euros fine and a four-month ban for violating his contract with Ahli to join Swiss side Sion in February 2008.

World governing body FIFA also hit Sion with a one-year transfer ban.

CAS later froze the sanction upon the appeal of Sion and Al-Hadari, but they are yet to announce a final verdict.

Reports suggested that CAS might uphold FIFA's decision before Egypt meet Algeria at Cairo Stadium in a crucial World Cup qualifying clash on November 14.

Al-Hadari, who is widely regarded as the best keeper in Egypt's history, wouldn't be able then to feature in the make-or-break encounter, the reports added.

However, CAS set December 9 as a date to hear the appeal of Sion and the 36-year-old, giving him the green light to stand between the sticks against Algeria. A verdict is expected several weeks later.

Egypt, who last qualified for the World Cup in 1990, need to defeat Algeria by a three-goal margin to ensure their progress to next year's South Africa finals.

A win by a two-goal margin will set up a playoff meeting with the Desert Foxes for a place at the football's most prestigious event.