The International Football Federation announced that it launched an investigation into offences committed by the Algerian people in the Egypt and Algeria game during the World Cup qualifier. An email received by Al-Masry Al-Youm from FIFA confirmed the opening of investigation into the mass riots in the Blida stadium during the game held on June 7. The email was in response to a letter, which questioned in a newspaper, the FIFA resolutions after it was reported that the observers of the game condemned excessive behavior; setting off firecrackers and rockets on the pitch. The International Federation has threatened the national associations with severe penalties in the event of riots or the use of fireworks. These penalties range from the deduction of points to a final exclusion from the competition. Egypt's first reaction was submitted by Ayman Younis, a member of the Governing Council of the Football Federation, who confirmed the impracticality of the issuance of the International Federation in favor of the Egyptian team, adding: "Repeating the game is impossible and the maximum penalty might be the issuance of a substantial financial fine to the Algerians or depriving them 'home games'." On the other hand, there has been a concern on the Algerian street for fear of sanctions. Alshorouk newspaper published a report on the Algerian crisis which showed the concern of Mohamed Rorawa, President of the Algerian Union, who admitted that his country was threatened with penalties from FIFA, which could reach the extent of depriving the public to attend the games, as well as financial penalties. In contrast the Algerian team topped the group and qualified for the African 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, yesterday, after obtaining two straight goals against Zambia; bringing the tally to seven points for first place, and freezing Zambia's position in second place with four points.
