The Egyptian Premier League, paused due to next week's national referendum on the draft constitution, is to resume on 18 January, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Saturday.

League matches were scheduled for Saturday but the competition was indefinitely postponed on Friday because of the referendum that is due to take place on 14 and 15 January.

Accordingly, Ahly will face El-Ragaa on 18 January while Zamalek will host Haras El-Hodoud on 19 January.

The Egyptian Premier League started last December after six months of suspension due to the 30 June protests, which instigated the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi.

Egypt's prime football competition is facing challenges in the lingering security concerns, a crowd ban, and more expected stoppages due to the parliamentary and presidential elections, which will be scheduled within the coming months.

However, the EFA and local authorities are adamant this season will be completed. The previous two terms were cancelled, which pushed most clubs to the edge of bankruptcy and hugely damaged the Egyptian football industry.

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