Egyptian FA president Samir Zaher said that the Pharaohs' presence in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa should be imminent after this year's impressive African Cup of Nations campaign. Zaher believes it would be ironic not to have the six-time African champions in a World Cup that is held for the first time in the Dark Continent. "Since we won the CAN, people in Egypt are expecting the Pharaohs to dazzle in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers as well, which get underway against Congo DR," he told FIFA.com in a lengthy interview. "Everyone is hoping that Egypt will qualify again for the first time since 1990. How on earth the six-time African champions have failed to qualify for the world's greatest tournament for the past 18 years is a source of great annoyance for the country. "In Ghana though, the team proved that they could not only qualify for South Africa but do well once they get there." Zaher, who had a meeting in Zurich with FIFA chief Sepp Blatter, expressed his gratitude towards the latter for his support to the continent. "I would like to thank President Blatter for what he is doing for African football in general, awarding the World Cup to South Africa, the U-17 tournament to Nigeria and the U-20s to Egypt," he added. "Finally we wanted to invite President Blatter to the inauguration of two artificial pitches as part of the Goal II Project which also has the support of 'Win in Africa, with Africa'." Recent Success The FA chairman commented on the recent achievements of Egyptian football, which includes back-to-back CAN titles under his presidency. "This is the third Africa Cup of Nations (1998, 2006 and 2008), that 'I' have won, so maybe the country's success has something to do with me," joked Zaher. "The victory in Ghana though was particularly pleasing because I think that we played attractive football, probably the most attractive football of any team on the continent during the competition. "In terms of clubs, Ahli have twice qualified for the Club World Cup and Zamalek have a great reputation throughout Africa so yes, Egyptian football is doing very well." Hadari Case Zaher revealed that one of the main reasons of his visit to Zurich was to deliver a message to the world governing body regarding Essam Al-Hadari's infamous case with Ahli, which also involves Swiss side FC Sion. "I brought a letter to Mr. Blatter regarding a very important Egyptian footbaling matter, namely Ahli goalkeeper Essam El-Hadari's problematic transfer to FC Sion," he said. "This is a crucial case since it could create a legal precedent. Not just for Ahli and not even merely for Egypt but for the entire African continent which would run the risk of suffering a mass exodus of even greater proportions. "If we do not find a solution to this case, African clubs will have real problems keeping their players. I am here with FIFA to try to find a solution." Egypt goalkeeper Al-Hadari is currently in Switzerland, awaiting FIFA's verdict on his controversial signing with Sion.
