Sfaxien said on Friday they were angry over the attempts of Egyptian giants Ahly to lure Tunisia's left wing-back Ali Maaloul.
Ahly repeatedly said they were close to landing Maaloul and his agent confirmed that his client was heading to Cairo to finalise the deal.
According to Egyptian reports, Ahly will pay $500,000 to trigger a buy-out clause in Maaloul's contract, effectively sealing the deal without the consent of Sfaxien who insisted the transfer would not go through unless both sides sit down for negotiations.
"Sfaxien's management … is amazed at the actions of some people who belong to Egyptian club Ahly regarding the transfer of Ali Maaloul," the Tunisian side wrote in a letter they sent to the Red Devils, which they published on their official Facebook page.
"The management would like to stress that, contrary to press reports, this transfer has not been done.
"The management is also letting you know that this deal will not be made except through the legal channels and after you officially contact our club to express your desire to sign the aforementioned player."
Ahly said on Thursday they had given Maaloul until Sunday to arrive in Cairo after apparent reluctance from the player to complete the deal, amid reported interest from some French clubs.
The club are eager to sign him due to the failure of Sabri Rahil and Hussein El-Sayed to impress as left-backs.
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