Egypt faces FIFA suspension over alleged govt interference in football: report

Egypt is facing possible suspension by international football body, FIFA, the alleged government interference in football, Egypt’s Ahram Sports online reported on Tuesday.

According to Egyptian media reports, the warning came after Hani Abou-Reida was disqualified from running for chairman of Egypt’s Football Association. (EFA)

Egyptian media reported that he was disqualified because he has been a member of EFA for two executive terms.

He would not be able to apply for candidacy for the next four years. The disqualification however violates the EFA’s own FIFA-approved regulations.

Abou-Reida has been heavily criticized by al-Ahly club supporters for being a member of the currently defunct National Democratic Party belonging to ousted president Hosni Mubarak. He was also accused by the club of negotiating with the EFA to offer leniency to his hometown club, Masry, following the Port Said disaster on Feb.1.

Abou Reida’s primary rival for EFA chairman, Mohammed Abdel-Salam, head of Maqassa club, has also been disqualified as he has no yet completed a full term as head of the club.

FIFA adamantly bans any government involvement in local football affairs.

Egypt would face either a year-long freeze in activities as per recommendation by FIFA’s association committee, or abide by any other decision the EFA’s general assembly reaches prior to the scheduled elections in October.