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Blatter: I will bring back Egyptian FA

Comment: 0 February 7th, 2012 by: admin

FIFA president Sepp Blatter recently declared that he plans to reinstate Egypt’s football association leaders who were dismissed Saturday following the deadly riot at Port Said.

The head of the global footballing body announced his intentions during a meeting in Paraguay of South American football officials regarding government intervention in the region’s footballing activities.

Officials dismissed during the aftermath of the chaos that left almost 80 dead included the country’s federation president Samir Zaher.  The group was dismissed by Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri.

Blatter, who described the situation as “very delicate,” said that the decision to dissolve the group counted as “a direct interference in the organisation of football” and went against FIFA’s regulations concerning the extent of influence governments should have on the sport.

“We will look to have the Egyptian federation reinstated and, naturally, see that this situation does not repeat itself,” said Blatter.

The dismissal came immediately after the violence that broke out in Port Said Stadium right after the final whistle of a match between home team Al-Masry and visiting top Egyptian football squad Al-Ahly.

At the end of the game, which saw Al-Masry earn a 3-1 upset victory, home fans began attacking the rival supporters who travelled from Cairo.  Spectators also began pouring onto the field and attempted to attack the players of Al-Ahly.

Severe criticism was thrown at the security efforts, which saw groups of policemen standing rigidly as people wielding knives, rocks, and other weapons which aside from deaths caused hundreds of casualties.

The incident also resulted in the resignation of what was said to be three players that were involved in the chaos.

FIFA’s immediate reaction to the riot was to sympathise with the country and demand that Zaher give a full account and explanation for what took place.

“I fully understand the country’s shock and anger that such a disaster could have come to pass,” Blatter told Zaher in a letter sent last week.

“Today is a black day for football and we must take steps to ensure that such a catastrophe never happens again.  Football is a force for good, and we must not allow it to be abused by those who mean evil.  I await further news from you concerning the circumstances of this tragedy.”

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