Egypt’s general soccer league will resume in February, coinciding with the first anniversary of the Port Said stadium massacre, when at least 70 Ahly fans were killed.
Interior Minister Ahmed Gamal Eddin, Sports Minister Al-Emary Farouq, and representatives from the Egyptian Football Association and member clubs agreed on the resumption of the league.
The Interior Ministry will be in charge of security. Fans will not be allowed to attend the matches.
The league was suspended following violence that erupted during a match last February between Ahly and Al-Masry Clubs on Port Said stadium. Fans stormed the pitch before attacking Ahly fans, which led to killing of the fans. A court ruling is expected on 26 January. More than 70 defendants are on trial.
The Defense Ministry agreed Thursday on hosting the league in its armed forces stadiums.
The league was postponed more than once since the February violence due to security concerns and demands by Ahly fans that a ruling on the massacre be issued before the league resumes play.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
