Zamalek-Africain clash was called off after violence erupted at Cairo Stadium
Egyptian clubs face possible sanctions after Zamalek’s African Champions League clash to home to Tunisia’s Club Africain was called off due to fan riots in the field.
Thousands of hooligans invaded the pitch in stoppage time and attacked Africain players to force the cancellation of the highly-charged clash, which attracted around 50,000 fans at Cairo Stadium.
Here we look at the possible sanctions that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could impose on Zamalek and other Egyptian participants in African competitions.
It is not yet known when the meeting will be held that determines Egypt football’s fate.
Zamalek
According to article 7 of CAF regulations for the Champions League, Africain should automatically qualify for the next round, while Zamalek should be eliminated from the premier African club competition following the pitch invasion.
The regulations do not specify further sanctions for such violations, but the matter was referred to CAF’s disciplinary committee to take the appropriate measures.
CAF official, Amr Shaheen, said Zamalek faces up to a three-year ban from playing in African inter-club competitions.
Minor punishments include fines and playing several matches behind closed doors or away from home.
Other teams
Egyptian champions, Ahly and Alexandria-based club, Harras El-Hodoud, who play in the Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively, could be also affected by the ugly scenes at Cairo Stadium.
In article 5 of Champions League regulations the countries “in which the internal situation does not allow the organisation of CAF matches” are deprived of hosting African games.
If Egypt is deemed unsafe to host the matches, Ahly and El-Hodoud could be forced to abandon home advantage in the knockout phase.
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