Egyptian football chief admits Premier League is unlikely to resume

By David Gold

February 20 – The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) interim chairman Anwar Saleh has revealed that the country’s Premier League, suspended following the Port Said tragedy which left dozens dead, will probably not resume.

There had been talks over the possible resumption of the league behind closed doors in March, but that looks unlikely to happen as a result of the cancellation of several national team games.

Egypt had been due to play Uganda, Guinea and Niger in friendlies in February before all were cancelled, while an African Cup of Nations qualifier with the Central African Republic has been postponed.

Saleh told Ahram Sport: “The EFA was seriously considering resuming the league on 15 March behind closed doors upon the request of the clubs after the end of the mourning period for the victims of the Port Said disaster.

“But the Interior Ministry’s letter, which demanded that Egypt’s friendly games be cancelled, came as a killer punch to our plans to resume the competition.

“We have no option but to follow the instructions of the authorities.

“We will wait to see whether security will improve.

“I hope the authorities will reverse that decision soon, because cancelling the league will have dire consequences on Egyptian football on all fronts.”

Saleh took the interim position as chairman of the EFA after Samir Zaher, his predecessor, resigned following the Port Said tragedy on February 1 when dozens were killed when fans stormed onto the pitch to attack visiting players and supporters following a match between fierce rivals Masry and al-Ahly.

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