CAIRO: Egyptian Premier League leaders Ismaili might face Telecom Egypt in Cairo after the interior ministry deemed Banha Stadium unsafe to host the crucial clash. Ismaili had to play away from their venue in the past few matches after it was closed for renovations as Egypt prepare to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup in September. They were scheduled to face Telecom at the 6,000-seat Banha Stadium on May 11 but the interior ministry asked the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to hold the match elsewhere. The ministry informed us that Banha Stadium would not be able to host the match, an EFA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told FilGoal.com on Saturday. They said that it would be dangerous to hold the match at such a small stadium because a large number of fans are expected to attend it. The match is now likely to take place at Military Academy Stadium in Cairo. Struggling side Telecom, who are fighting against relegation, did not accept the decision and threatened to abandon the game. The match can be played at Banha Stadium behind closed doors, Telecom sporting director Abdel-Hakim Sorour said. Ismaili have already played several games without fans following the closure of their stadium so I don t see any problems. If they insist to hold the match in Cairo we will not play. Ismaili, who aim to win their first league title since 2002, are three points clear of holders and fierce rivals Ahly, who have an additional game in hand. A playoff could determine the league winner if both sides finished level on points.
