Azmi, whose father is a prominent figure inside the Zamalek board, justified his decision for feeling under pressure since joining the club.

"I admire Zamalek a lot and I really wanted to play, but I prefer to stay away because of the uneasy atmosphere inside the club," he told FilGoal.com.

"I heard people saying that I signed for the intention of helping my father in the elections, and I can't accept that."

Azmi was selected by Hassan Shehata for Egypt's 2010 World Cup qualifiers, but is yet to play a single game in the campaign.