Following a meeting between Ahli and EFA officials on Monday, the latter decided to delay sending Abd-Rabou's ITC to Dubai until FIFA rule in the case.

"The EFA believe that Ahli have rights in Hosni Abd-Rabou's case, and therefore will not send the player's ITC to Ahli Dubai before FIFA's response to Ahli's appeal," a statement on the EFA's official site said.

Abd-Rabou's complicated saga, which involved Ahli, Ismaili and Strasbourg, was supposed to end as the Egypt midfielder joined Emirate side Ahli Dubai.

However, Egyptian champions Ahli refused to give up on their rights to own the midfielder, who signed a contract with the Reds last year.

The FA's new proclamation contradicts with their initial ruling to give Ismaili green light to sell Abd-Rabou to Ahli Dubai.

Reaction From Dubai

In the wake of the FA's announcement, Ahli Dubai football director Abdul-Maguid Hussein said he is confident that the case will be resolved.

"Our relationship with Ahli (Egypt) is excellent, and we are confident that they will co-operate with us, unless they have financial issues with Abd-Rabou" Hussein told Dream TV.

"We believe that Hosni's ITC will be sent on time of the league kickoff, and the thing that matters at last is the player's own benefit."