The Egyptian Football Association (EFA), under the presidency of Samir Zaher, has contacted the three clubs which finished as runners-up in their respective groups in the second division, namely Tersana, Mansoura and Aswan, to organise a qualifying draw for entrance to the Egyptian Premier League. One team would be selected by the draw to become the twentieth Premier League club.

“This is a golden opportunity for the three teams, and it will be the last too,” EFA executive Ihab Saleh told Ahram Online on Monday.

The EFA initially said the League would be expanded to 20 teams after it decided to cancel relegation, citing the adverse effects of the January 25 Revolution on the  teams placed last - Ittihad, Smouha and Arab Contractors.

Tersana, Mansoura and Aswan played a three-team league to determine who would win promotion, along with already-promoted trio Dakhleya, Ghazl El-Mahalla and Beni Suef Telephones, but they finished level in points.

“A draw is the only solution at the moment,” Saleh added.

The EFA insisted on a replay of the tournament but the clubs rejected this proposal, and their fans protested before the association building demanding a further increase in the number of Premier League teams to 22. Zaher’s board did not accept this enlargement, forcing him to hold the first Egyptian League post-revolution with 19 teams.

 “The three clubs have to send a confirmation letter before next Monday on which we will hold the League draw and there will be no more excuses this time,” Saleh insisted.