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GFA to protest to FIFA as violence in Egypt escalates

Kwesi Nyantakyi GFA President

Mon, 7 Oct 2013 Source: Joy Online

The Ghana FA will write to FIFA this week to ask for their crucial World Cup playoffs return leg against Egypt to be moved from Cairo as violence escalates in the troubled country, the Ghanaian media have reported on Monday.

The Black Stars will travel to play the Pharaohs on November 19 but the Air Defense stadium in Cairo chosen as the match venue has dominated the major talking points due to the volatile security situation in the North African country.

At least 50 people have been killed in a latest clash between police and supporters of toppled Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo on Sunday.

The Ghana will lodge an official complaint to world governing body, FIFA, this week over the match venue for the crucial return encounter with fears the safety of the Ghanaian national team and their supporters cannot be guaranteed. FIFA approved the venue despite the violence that has claimed thousands of lives since the overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

There are fears violence could erupt during the crucial playoffs especially if the Black Stars beat them to qualify to Brazil 2014.

Cairo has been flagged as a high-risk security area and this alert cannot be taken lightly.

The Ghana FA will write to FIFA for a change of venue as the world governing body comes under intense pressure to move the game from Egypt.

Media reports in Ghana have suggested Qatar and Saudi Arabia could be the likely destination for the return fixture next month.

The Pharaohs will travel to Ghana later this week for the first leg tie at the Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi on Tuesday October 15.

Source: Joy Online