The EFA explained in a statement on its official facebook page that the initiative aims to strengthen the foundation of Egyptian football, back historically resonant clubs with large fanbases, and stimulate competition across various divisions.
According to the EFA statement, the program carries a total value of EGP 70 million, encompassing direct club financial support, promotion bonuses, and prizes for youth and junior competitions.
As part of this program, the board approved providing financial support to 120 clubs from governorates and cities competing in the second and third divisions, with a minimum of EGP 100,000 for third division clubs and EGP 300,000 for Second division clubs.
The program also will be granting EGP 1 million to each of seven traditional clubs in the second division (Group A): Ismaily, Mansoura, Tersana, El Mahalla, Tanta, Dairut, and El Nasr.
Furthermore, the board approved a EGP 5 million reward for any popular club that succeeds in earning promotion to the Egyptian Premier League, reaffirming the association's commitment to supporting traditional clubs as a top priority within the nation's football ecosystem.
The announcement of the development program comes amid severe financial struggles faced by a large number of traditional in recent years, alongside the dominance of company-owned clubs over the Egyptian Premier League scene.
These clubs accounted for 15 of the league's 21 teams last season, underscoring a trend that has spread across Egyptian football since the early 2000s and left many matches played in front of empty stands.
Traditional clubs with large fan bases have struggled over the past two decades with chronic financial and administrative instability, leaving them unable to compete with company- and state-backed clubs backed by stronger finances and more stable management.
Ismaily, three-time Egyptian champions and former African champions, were relegated to the second division after years of financial crises and administrative turmoil that forced the club to sell many of its top players and left it burdened with mounting debts.
Other packages
In a bid to bolster the youth sector, the board allocated EGP 10 million in prize money for junior and youth competitions. For the first time, financial rewards will be designated for first-place finishers at the regional branch level across age groups from 2007 to 2013 - spanning six competitions - in addition to honors for sector and national champions across all divisions.
The EFA board finally emphasized that technical directors across regional branches and sectors will oversee continuous technical monitoring of all youth and junior competitions. This aims to discover and scout top talent, paving the way for their integration into the national teams and building a strong, sustainable future for Egyptian football.
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