Egyptian fans rush into the field following Al-Ahly club soccer match against Al-Masry club at the soccer stadium in Port Said, Egypt Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. (Photo: AP)
The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland has confirmed that Port Said's Masry are eligible to play in the Egyptian Premier League.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) had appealed against a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) stating Masry should be allowed to play in the league.
The EFA banned the coastal club from domestic competitions after the Port Said stadium massacre in February 2011 when 72 Ahly fans died and hundreds were injured during clashes with Masry fans.
"It's another victory that proves Masry are innocent," Masry executive general manager Mohsen Sheta stated on the club's official website.
"Masry now have the right to participate in the league after the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland refused an EFA appeal against CAS's verdict. They will also fine the association," Sheta added.
Dozens of Masry officials and fans, in addition to security and local government officials, were jailed for their involvement in the massacre. Some were handed death sentences. Bloody clashes took place after the verdicts, leaving dozens dead and scores injured near Port Said prison.
"I suggest the new board doesn't enter the club in next season's league competition so as not to provoke anyone," former Masry president Kamel Abou-Ali told the Egyptian press.
Masry is preparing for the election of a new board.
The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland is the only court with jurisdiction to hear appeals against rulings by the CAS.
World football's governing body FIFA joined the CAS in 2002. It now handles more than 300 cases per annum, mainly, but not entirely, football-related disputes.
"Of course this new verdict will please Masry fans as it reconfirms their innocence," Sheta said.
Domestic football matches were suspended for almost a year following the massacre and since the league's resumption matches have been played behind closed doors.
After 17 rounds of the current 'Martyrs' championship, the competition has been suspended after fans stormed stadiums during matches last week in contravention of the crowd ban.
The authorities refuse to secure matches, especially as the country is expecting huge protests this weekend, some supporting and some against President Mohamed Morsi.
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