Cairo is safe....but we will be vigilant: FIFA

Ghana Sports International (GSI) can confirm that FIFA will convene a final face to face security meeting with Egyptian and Ghanaian officials to affirm their satisfaction with Cairo hosting the 2nd leg World Cup qualifier on Tuesday November 19th.

This decision was taken in Lome, Togo; where a powerful Ghana delegation led by Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah and Ghana FA boss Kwasi Nyantakyi met with FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke and Director of National Associations and Development at FIFA, Thierry Reginals.

Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi made a strong case for the security assurances presented to FIFA by Egyptian authorities to be looked at again.

''There is nothing wrong with being extra safe and that is exactly what we are asking FIFA to do so that all doubts as much as possible are removed''

In reaction to the genuine security concerns raised by Ghana, FIFA has agreed to have this final meeting to reassure all stakeholders of total safety when the game is hosted in Cairo. Ghana Sports Minister Afriyie Ankrah welcomed FIFA's decision to hold a final meeting in Cairo.

''It is obvious that FIFA is committed to ensuring that every possible effort is made to ensure that the security measures in place for the clash, work to the letter''

International media attention has heightened as Ghanaians are also asking that for extra assurances following clashes between hundreds of Al Ahly supporters and Egyptian police before and after Sunday’s CAF Champions League 2ndleg Final played in Cairo.

The Champions league final was the first major match in Egypt where fans were allowed into the stadium since 74 people were killed in an Egyptian league game last year. According to reports, police used tear gas to disperse the crowd as they threw rocks and tried to force their way into the stadium. FIFA has already turned down two appeals from Ghana for a change in venue but it is believed that this meeting will finally put to rest any doubts that the West Africans may still hold with Cairo.

Ghana needs to avoid a 5-0 scoreline to make it to Brazil 2014 after securing a 6-1 win in the first leg in Kumasi on October 15th.

African football legend Abedi Ayew Pele believes FIFA is on top of issues ahead of the match ''I am sure that by Thursday we will all have a clear picture of the situation and knowing FIFA, they will only take decisions in the best interest of the game''.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take action against Al Ahly and their fans over the green lasers shown in the Orlando Pirates players’ eyes on Sunday.