Ahly management has announced that they refuse the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) decision to host the upcoming Zamalek showdown, known as the Cairo derby, in Gouna Stadium, asking for it be in Suez Stadium or Sharm El-Sheikh instead. EFA informed Ahly and Zamalek that their upcoming game in the Egyptian Premier League will be played at Gouna Stadium after the interior ministry refused to secure it in Cairo. Zamalek, who are bidding for their first Egyptian Premier League title in 10 years, accepted the decision of playing the game in Gouna Stadium. The Whites are leading the Egyptian Premier League teams' table with 83 points, nine points over rivals and runners-up Ahly. "Ahly management won't let their rights go as we refuse to play the Zamalek game in Gouna Stadium," read a statement released by Ahly management early Sunday. "The EFA is not following its rules, which could affect the team in many ways," the statement added. "The bad condition of Gouna Stadium's grounds may cause injuries to the team's players three days before the CAF Confederation Cup game against Etoile du Sahel," the statement continued. "The EFA didn't follow their rules in this case, as each team has two definite stadiums before the league start, and we chose Cairo Stadium and the Air Defence Stadium," the statement said. EFA responds For their part, EFA Executive Director Tharwat Swelam revealed that EFA is working according to its rules and they have no hand in changing the game's venue. "The rules say each team is responsible for choosing its stadium, and gaining security approval for the venue," Swelam said in response to Ahly's statement. "Our mission is to organise the competition and choose the game's stadium, in case the teams fail to name it in 48 hours before the game," he added. "We gave Ahly the chance to name the game's stadium and receive security approval until Saturday, or the game would be played at Gouna Stadium." "Ahly management have to go to the interior ministry, not EFA." "We deal with all sides in the same way. If anyone finds a solution before the game we will approve it." the EFA director concluded. (For more sports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/135708.aspx
