Thursday March 28th, 2024
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Egyptian Football Fans Will Be Allowed to Attend Local Matches Again Starting September

Football fans, rejoice.

Staff Writer

The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) has decided to start allowing a select number of football fans to return to local matches starting September 1st, according to Egypt Independent.

In a meeting between the Ministry, the Egyptian Football Association and representatives from Egypt’s sports clubs, it was agreed that they would allow up to 5000 fans to attend local matches, including 50 with disabilities, as well as 20000 fans for international matches. “Everyone is looking forward to the public’s return to the stands once again, so they can attend their matches and encourage their teams in the appropriate manner,” said Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhy.

During the meeting, representatives discussed exactly how fans would be re-allowed into stadiums, as well as how to ensure fans’ safety and protect the image of Egyptian football.

In February 2012, fans were banned from attending football matches following the catastrophic riot that resulted in 72 Al-Ahly fans’ death in Port Said Stadium. Three years later, stadiums were re-opened to fans, only for tragedy to strike again, when 22 Zamalek fans were crushed to death at Cairo International Stadium.

The EFA is also studying a proposal, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Higher Education, to give Egyptian university students priority in attending matches, though the reasoning behind it wasn't revealed.

Main Image from IBTimes