Junius
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- Mar 11, 2009
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Football's world governing body Fifa has banned Egypt from playing in Cairo for two World Cup qualifiers, after an attack on the visiting Algerian team. Egypt's FA has also been fined more than US$80 000 for the incident, which happened last November.
Three Algerian players were injured when their bus was stoned on its way from the airport to the team hotel.
Fifa also condemned security arrangements at the game itself, saying the stadium was overcrowded.
Fifa's disciplinary committee ruled that the Pharaohs must stage their first two home matches in qualifying for the 2014 World Cup finals at least 100 kilometres from the capital.
"The Fifa disciplinary committee took this decision after determining that the EFA had failed to take all the necessary security precautions to ensure the safety of the Algerian delegation," a Fifa statement read.
"It was equally noted that security and order in the stadium were not guaranteed, as an excessive number of spectators were granted access to the stadium and the entrances and stairways were obstructed."
Egypt won the game, leading to a play-off match between the two to decide the final place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Algeria triumphed in the Sudanese capital Khartoum and qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.
After the match in Sudan, the EFA complained about the treatment its fans had received but Fifa rejected the accusation, citing lack of evidence.
The rivalry between Egypt and Algeria is intense and the violence in Cairo caused a diplomatic row, whilst Egyptian businesses in Algiers were attacked.
source: BBC SPORTS
