Ahly's new coach Mohamed Youssef (Photo: Al-Ahram)
Ahly coach Mohamed Youssef said on Thursday that the team will continue preparing for the game against Gouna on the 17th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League, despite it being postponed for security reasons.
"The decision to delay the Egyptian Premier League for an indefinite period due to security concerns didn't affect the players," Youssef was quoted as saying on the club's official website on Thursday.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Wednesday that the Egyptian Premier League would be delayed for an indefinite period due to security concerns.
Head of the EFA's competitions committee, Mazen Marzouq, admitted that the decision had been taken after the Ultras – hardcore fans of Cairo's Ahly and Zamalek football clubs – threatened to attend matches scheduled for this week, despite an official crowd ban.
Fans are currently banned from attending Egyptian football matches due to lingering security concerns. A crowd ban was partially lifted last year, but recent disturbances prompted the EFA to reverse the decision.
"Ahly's players are experienced in dealing with these different circumstances and they are fit for any decision," Youssef added.
"We won't change our preparations program for the Gouna game despite the delay, as we haven’t receive a formal letter from the Egyptian Football Association,"
Ahly, who lead Group A of the league with 36 points, are previously scheduled to face Gouna on Saturday in the 17th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)
Short link: