EFA backtracks on venue change, keeps Ittihad of Alexandria vs Ahly game at Borg El-Arab
Just a few hours after announcing a change of venue, the Egyptian Football Association has backtracked on its decision to move the Ittihad of Alexandria versus Ahly game to El-Max Stadium, moving the game back to Borg El-Arab Stadium.
"After the refusal of security authorities to change the venue… to El-Max, the game will be held as initially scheduled at Borg El-Arab Stadium," said a statement by the EFA.
The EFA said that authorities refused to move the game due to Ittihad's request that their fans should be allowed to attend.
"Ittihad of Alexandria had requested fan attendance as they had already sold the game's tickets," the statement said.
The Borg El-Arab pitch has been in poor condition after hosting a large number of games without a proper maintenance. The state of the pitch came under the spotlight during last Saturday's derby between Ahly and Zamalek, which was marred by heavy rains that flooded the already poor pitch.
Stadium officials have announced that following the Ittihad vs Ahly game, the stadium will be shut down for maintenance and will not host any domestic games.
"Following the game, all fixtures will be moved to El-Max behind closed doors," the EFA said.
Ahly are second on the Egyptian Premier League teams table with 52 points after playing 23 games so far this season, while Ittihad, who played 26 games, are 9th with 32 points.
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