The Egyptian champions - like all top-flight clubs - are suffering from severe financial shortage amid lack of domestic football.

While their stars are regarded as the top-earners in the country, Ahli made a proposal to reduce the contracts of first-team players for the new season.

“Some players have refused to give up any of their wages and this must be respected by the club of course,” Ahli football director Sayed Abdul-Hafiz told the club’s website.

“A player can never be forced to accept a deduction on his basic salary, we just expect some of them to do it voluntarily.

“Up until now, some of the players have understood our position and agreed to have lower contracts in a flexible manner.

“We have been forced to do this because of the critical phase Egypt is passing through.”

Ahli prepare for a crunch Champions League group-stage opener against city rivals Zamalek on July 21 as the domestic league is almost called off.