FIFA Sanctions Hovers Over Egypt

African football’s most successful nation is nearing
rock-bottom, amid concerns that they could be suspended by Fifa.

The domestic league has been disrupted since February,
following a deadly riot in Port Said.

Fans have threatened to prevent the league’s resumption
unless there is a change of leadership within the Egypt Football Association.

And it is plans for change which has come to the attention
of Fifa.

Hani Abou-Reida was seeking to become the EFA’s new
president, with elections to be held next month.

But a court ruling has since prevented Abou-Reida from
running for office, suggesting he is ineligible having served as an EFA
official for two consecutive terms.

Fifa takes a dim view of any government interference but is
currently just watching and waiting.

A Fifa spokesperson said, “At the time of writing we can
confirm that Fifa is monitoring the situation in Egypt, though no further
decisions have been taken with regard to the Egyptian Football Association.”

The national side lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy
three times in a row, from 2006 to 2010. The seven-times winners failed to
qualify for the 2012 or 2013 editions.

League football has been suspended for almost eight months,
and the proud footballing nation now faces the prospect of a ban from the
global game.