Hazem Emam is the first captain but his long absence fueled the crisis of his deputy.

Mohamed Aboul-Ella, Beshir Al-Tabie, Tarek Al-Sayed and the veteran goalie claim the right of the armband.

Dutch manager Ruud Krol named Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed as the second captain, a decision that left Al-Tabie and Aboul-Ella fuming.

"The captaincy order is already know to all players," Al-Sayed told FilGoal.com.

"I haven't asked for the armband. But I have been always named captain during the past four years when Hazem wasn't playing."

Emam hasn't played this season since the league opener against Ismaili, when he came as a substitute for Mahmoud Abdul-Razeq 'Shikabala'.

Recent request from Al-Tabie and Aboul-Ella for the captaincy were turned down.

Unlike Al-Tabie, Aboul-Ella reacted angrily and he has reportedly abandoned training in protest.

"Senior players should not make a fuss about it," Al-Sayed said a few hours before his side take on Aluminum in the Egyptian League on Sunday.

"They should unite as we try to get back on our feet."

Zamalek are fourth on 20 points, one behind defending champions Ahli, who still have two matches in hand. Petrojet are on top with 25 points.