United Arab Football Association (UAFA) are hoping to convince Egyptian champions Ahli to end their boycott of Arab competitions, UAFA vice president Samir Zaher said. Zaher told FilGoal.com that he is set to open talks with Ahli officials over the issue soon and he will try to persuade the Cairo giants to rethink their decision and participate in the fourth edition of the Arab Champions League (ACL). In 2004, Ahli decided to abandon the ACL after they were handed a one-year ban by UAFA for withdrawing from the tournament's first edition. The tournament's main sponsor ART Network made several attempts to bring the Egyptian and African Champions back in the third edition but Ahli said they won't participate before UAFA issues an official apology. UAFA refused the condition and Ahli were not one of the three Egyptian representatives in the third edition that concluded last week with Enppi wining the silver medal. Ahli, one of the most popular Arab and African clubs, are sought to take part to give a lift to the tournament that has been fading steadily after a bright kick-off. Media experts say that ART suffered a huge decline in subscriptions, especially in Egypt, one of the region's biggest markets, due to Ahli's absence. No comments have been issued by Ahli officials so far.
