International football: Football Crisis in Egypt

posted on: May 8, 2015

Egyptian Premiere League (EPL) is back to action after long lull following the death of 22 fans outside Air Defense Stadium in Cairo in a stampede before a game between Cairo outfit Zamalek and Enppi in Egypt’s EPL on 8th February 2015.

The incident was the second in just 4 years when 72 of Al-Ahly fans lost their life in Port Said stadium in an EPL tie with the host city team.

Of course, such fatal scenes, in or outside football pitches are disappointing and unfortunate. It would not help Egypt restore their football pride. Football has been once up on time a medium for hope in a country that has been going through troubles for 4 years now.

In fact, Egypt football is now in a coma. The pharaohs, who appeared only twice in the FIFA World Cup finals, in Italy 1934 then again in Italy 1990, failed to qualify for the African football showpiece, Caf Nations Cup, in the last three times in a row leaving the country paying high price in the 2017 CAF Nations qualifier. The draw put Egypt in the tough group 7 along with African giants Nigeria, Chad, Tanzania. Only one team from the group would qualify to the Gabon 2017.

With CAF Nations Cup record 7 titles in their belt, Egypt has deep-rooted football history, with Cairo giant Al-Ahly is the most titled club in the World bagging 20 various continental titles of them 8 record CAF champions league title.

At present, Egypt football is not merely standing still, it is in fact deteriorating. Football now lacks vision while stadiums need upheaval in terms of safety & security regulations and procedures. EPL is back to action without allowing fans in. It is fine, but this should coincide with a real work to address the core problems most probably caused by Ultras groups with, again, no vision either from EFA or the security forces.

Football is an entertaining game and we should protect football fans but this cannot or should not be by denying them from watching their beloved game in the stadium.

EFA officials should find a way out as Egypt new national team coach Hector Cuper of Argentine, fomer Inter Milan boss is starting his reign with the Pharaoh. An urgent call is required for setting out clear safety & security regulations and upheaval should take place on how the EFA approach football following two revaluations in Egypt.

Source: www.marca.com