Egypt’s most popular football club Ahly announced on Thursday morning that they would boycott the upcoming Egyptian Premier League season if their security demands are not taken into account.
"The Ahly board announced they will boycott the Egyptian League draw scheduled for Monday in the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) headquarters and not participate in the league as long as security precautions remain uncertain and unreal," the Cairo-based club stressed in a statement published on their official website on Thursday.
"In case security procedures are provided, Ahly will not play outside Cairo," the statement stressed.
The second successive stern statement comes in a wake of riots that occurred on Tuesday when tens of fans stormed the club’s Nasr City branch to protest against the team’s recent poor results. The protestors demanded the departure of coach Martin Jol and some players including skipper Hossam Ghaly.
Physical and verbal abuse against some players was also reported.
On Wednesday, the club announced the suspension of training sessions until they have reached a security solution with authorities. However, authorities have not yet responded to Ahly’s demands.
Under Jol, Ahly won back their favourite title for the 38th time this season -- the Egyptian Premier League -- but lost the Egyptian Cup final to bitter rivals Zamalek.
The record holders lost their Africa Champions League bid after being eliminated from the group stage with poor results.
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