This season's Egyptian Premier League will be played over two groups for the fifth time in the competition's 65-year history, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Tuesday. Ahly, who won the league's last edition in 2011, were drawn in Group A along with ENPPI, Harras El-Hodoud, Ghazl El-Mahalla, Beni Suef Telephones, Wadi Degla, Maqassa, Smouha and Gouna Zamalek, Ahly's traditional rivals, were paired on Group B alongside Ismaily, Dakhleya, Ittihad of Alexandria, El-Inttag El-Harby, Ittihad Al-Shorta,Petrojet, Talae El-Geish and Arab Contractors. The winners and runners-up of each group will qualify for the semifinals. Egypt's premier domestic competition was held with the same format in the 1957-58, 1962-63, 1963-64 and 1975-76 seasons. The Egyptian league has been suspended since 1 February 2012, when 72 Ahly fans died after being attacked by opposing Masry fans following the end of an ill-tempered game in coastal city Port Said. The EFA had already set three previous dates for possible league re-starts, but the interior ministry's constant refusal to give them the go-ahead proved a stumbling block. Earlier this week, it was officially announced that the tournament will kick off on 2 February after a Saturday meeting between Egypt's sports minister and interior minister and EFA officials. Ahly fans insist that the Egyptian league should remain suspended until the court investigating the case issues a verdict. Hardcore supporters have vowed to ruin any domestic match held before the court reaches a decision. The court will deliver a final verdict on the notorious case on 26 January, seven days before the league's scheduled start. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/61629.aspx
