The Ministry of Interior's decision to sustain suspending domestic football in Egypt triggered a state of dismay among all parties involved in the game. Some football stars slammed authorities, others promised an ‘aggressive reaction', while many officials called for the intervention of newly-elected president Mohamed Morsi. Meanwhile the Egyptian FA is still hoping that the many voices calling for the return of football can make an impact as the future of the game in the country became on the rocks. 5 million people! Egypt captain and Zamalek veteran Ahmed Hassan said: “Before making such a big decision, officials must be aware that there are about 5 million people involved in the field of sports in Egypt. “What shall all these people do when football is frozen? “There are many lower-division footballers who earn no more than 200 or 300 pounds a month. How can they live? “Do these people have to go out and protest publicly to have their demands fulfilled? “Although I don't like this style, I think one day thousands of people will go out to demonstrate against the suspension of football if this is necessary." Aggressive Hassan's former Ahli teammate and Egypt international striker Mohamed Fadl promised a more fierce reaction saying: “This decision could only come from irresponsible officials. “If the Interior Ministry fails to secure a football match, how could it be responsible for the security of the whole country?!
Fadl warns of an aggressive reaction “I think the minister would better step down after such a political decision. “We players will react aggressively and that's what I agreed upon when I spoke with Hossam Ghaly (Ahli captain). We decided not to remain silent. “They must know that this could prompt FIFA to intervene and entirely ban football activity in Egypt." Presidential intervention Hani Abou-Rida, who is strongly tipped to become the next FA chairman, calls for the intervention of an authority that is higher than the Interior Ministry. “Unless a decision comes from the president, there won't be football in Egypt," he said. “This stubborn stance of security forces cannot be justified. There must be an intervention from president Morsi." Catastrophic FA spokesman Azmi Megahed also agrees by calling for president Morsi's help to resolve the matter: “President Morsi must intervene because football is the only way for a living for a large portion of the Egyptian society. “The ministry's decision was hasty and I personally think it is catastrophic, given that football has been suspended since February. “Football clubs are suffering financially and national teams have been harmed as well."
