"I was surprised of this move," Ahmed Al-Rifaie told Egyptian TV.

"I knew about this deal after Fathi has already agreed terms with Ahli. But the paper he signed with Ismaili in January can make him troubles."

Several attempts to reach Fathi for comment were unsuccessful.

Ahli announced on Sunday signing Fathi from Sheffield United on a four-year deal for £675.000 starting from January.

Ahli's arch-rivals Zamalek said in August they agreed terms with Fathi, but the Egyptian international denied the claim.

Such a paper, if existed, won't be legal in FIFA's consideration "but it may cause him problems if Ismaili decided to take the case to civil courts," according to Al-Rifaie.