The Egyptian FA has been facing a crunch challenge to get the domestic league competition back in action following an exceptional break, now another hurdle is looming. The recent chaos that marred Zamalek's continental clash with Club Africain left the association hanging by a thread to their hope of saving the second half of the season in Egypt. It was a tricky challenge after Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf admitted he would prefer to have the season called off after the disturbing scenes at Cairo Stadium last Saturday. However, FA chairman Samir Zaher managed to win the approval of authorities, but conceded that all league contestants must agree on resuming the competition. Top clubs relief The big guns seem to be eager to be back in business, but the reasons for such an acknowledgement varied from one club to another. According to Egypt's top trio, competition is vital for financial, economic, technical and social reasons. “The return of the league is the right decision. Calling the season off would have caused us a lot of financial trouble that could lead us to bankruptcy,” Zamalek chairman Galal Ibrahim said. “Zamalek are one of the clubs who could have suffered dearly from such an end to the season, because most of our revenues come from football.” Ahli coach Manuel Jose agreed by saying: “I am happy with the return of the league. It is like a factory helping managers, players and many employees to earn their living. “I cannot imagine the season to be cancelled. It would make thinks more complicated and it could badly affect our African campaign.” Ismaili spokesman Alaa Wahid added: “It is essential to have the league back because this will bring life back to normal in Egypt. “What happened in the Zamalek-Africain match was an odd incident and it shouldn't necessarily indicate canceling the league.” Six-club petition While top clubs voiced their relief over the decision, Egyptian Premier League strugglers seem to be cooperating in order to call the season off. “Five other clubs, plus us, signed a petition rejecting the restart of the league season,” Ittihad vice-chairman Tarek Al-Gallad said.
Zaher has to face opposing clubs "The clubs are Gouna, Smouha, Wadi Degla, Arab Contractors and Masri. “We cannot put the safety of players and fans in danger in order to complete the competition. What happened in the Zamalek match was a clear indication.” Ittihad, Degla, Contractors, Smouha and Gouna are currently the bottom five clubs respectively; so their motive for such a request is probably justified. On the other hand, Masri have been overachieving so far this term as they finished the first half of the league in seventh place, way off the danger zone. But the Port-Said outfit stated other reasons for their rejection. “We will not participate in the second half of the league until we get our unpaid fees from the FA. These fees include television broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals,” Masri GM Mohsen Sheta said last month. Masri chairman Kamel Abou-Ali recently added: “It is inappropriate to play matches after what happened on Saturday. The situation in Port-Said could even be worse in every game here.” While security has become a concern in Cairo in the meantime, the situation has usually been alerting in Port-Said with Masri's relatively-intolerant fans. Disaster! Police Union boss Talaat Youssef has arguably been the manager of the season so far after leading his team to third place in the first half of the season, six points behind leaders Zamalek. However, Youssef believes that having the season back now would be disastrous. “The decision to resume the league under this lack of security is a disaster,” he said. “It will take its toll on everyone; players, clubs and fans. We all saw what happened in the Zamalek-Africain match. “Some league games will involve high attendance and it will be disastrous if fans were not contained. “It will be difficult in our team's matches too as the relationship between the people and the police has been tense lately.” Gaish manager and Zamalek legend Farouk Gaafar said he would be satisfied if the league resumed, but conceded that relegation should be annulled and no champion shall be declared. Ahli boss Jose responded to such a suggestion by saying: “Cancelling relegation will kill players' motives and enthusiasm. “It will be like a beach football game or a dinner party!”
