World governing body FIFA has called on the Egyptian FA and local authorities to take all the necessary security measures to ensure the safety of the Algerian contingent in Egypt. Algeria sports minister Hachemi Djiar claimed that some Egyptian fans, who gathered at Cairo airport, hurled stones at the visiting team's bus. Rafik Saifi, Rafik Halliche and Khaled Lemmouchia were reported to have sustained severe facial injuries during the alleged incident. However, EFA board member Mahmoud Taher vehemently denied that the Desert Foxes were attacked, saying the players themselves came up with a fake story to 'blow things out of proportion'. "Following the incidents that occurred yesterday in Cairo after the arrival of the official delegation of the Algerian national team, FIFA's Organizing Committee for the FIFA World Cup have asked the Egyptian Football Association and the highest national authorities through the relevant ministries to provide written guarantees that confirm the implementation of the necessary additional safety and security measures at any time for the Algerian delegation," a statement on FIFA's official site reads. Both teams will clash on Saturday at Cairo Stadium in a crucial World Cup qualifier that could well determine which side will go through. A victory by a three-goal margin for the Pharaohs will see them reach the World Cup due to a better goal difference. But if Hassan Shehata's men win by a two-goal margin, a play-off game will be played on November 18th to determine the group winners. Algeria need to win, draw or even lose by a one-goal margin to ensure they will become one of Africa's representatives at the most important FIFA tournament.
