Egypt's assistant coach, Diaa El-Sayed, has said he is confident the premier league will start on schedule despite the latest wave of street protests.

"The domestic league is important for the teams as well as the national team," he told Ahram Online.

The league is scheduled to begin on 2 February after being suspended since a riot at the Port Said Stadium on 1 February 2012.

On Saturday, a court sentenced 21 people to death for their role in the disaster, provoking deadly violence in Port Said which has killed at least 30 people.

"We support resuming the premier league as we are arranging a national team camp after the first week of the league," he said.

Reports in the Egyptian media claim the league will be postponed again after President Morsi declared a state of emergency in Port Said, Suez and Ismailia.

The Egyptian national team have a World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe in March.

The seven-time African champions top Group G with six points from two games, three ahead of second-placed Guinea. Zimbabwe and Mozambique have one point each.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)