Football Fans To Return to Stadiums In Egypt Starting September 2018
By Nada Hamouda
Since February 2012 after 72 of Al Ahly fans died during a game with Al Masry in Port Said, Egyptian fans will be allowed back to watch the local matches starting from the 1st of September. However, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhy, announced on Sunday that initially only a maximum of 5,000 fans will be allowed into stadiums.
Moreover, Sobhy emphasized in a radio interview that lifting the ban for the return of the football fans is a gradual process. “The ministry is cooperating with the police authorities to ensure fans’ safety. Moreover, we’re also considering the Egyptian Football Association’s proposal, in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education, to give Egyptian university students priority in attending matches,” Sobhy said.
In the 6th of August, the Minister of Youth and Sports held a meeting with the Egyptian Football Association and presidents of sports clubs. However, they agreed upon a plan to allow up to 5000 fans to attend local matches, including 50 with disabilities and 20000 fans for international matches.
