Mohamed Aboutrika of Egypt's Al Ahly (2nd R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his goal against Egypt's Zamalek during their CAF Champions League soccer match at the Military Stadium in Cairo (Photo: Reuters)
This season’s Egyptian Premier League will be played over two groups for the fifth time in the competition’s 65-year history, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Tuesday.
Ahly, who won the league’s last edition in 2011, were drawn in Group A along with ENPPI, Harras El-Hodoud, Ghazl El-Mahalla, Beni Suef Telephones, Wadi Degla, Maqassa, Smouha and Gouna
Zamalek, Ahly’s traditional rivals, were paired on Group B alongside Ismaily, Dakhleya, Ittihad of Alexandria, El-Inttag El-Harby, Ittihad Al-Shorta, Petrojet, Talae El-Geish and Arab Contractors.
The winners and runners-up of each group will qualify for the semifinals.
Egypt’s premier domestic competition was held with the same format in the 1957-58, 1962-63, 1963-64 and 1975-76 seasons.
The Egyptian league has been suspended since 1 February 2012, when 72 Ahly fans died after being attacked by opposing Masry fans following the end of an ill-tempered game in coastal city Port Said.
The EFA had already set three previous dates for possible league re-starts, but the interior ministry's constant refusal to give them the go-ahead proved a stumbling block.
Earlier this week, it was officially announced that the tournament will kick off on 2 February after a Saturday meeting between Egypt's sports minister and interior minister and EFA officials.
Ahly fans insist that the Egyptian league should remain suspended until the court investigating the case issues a verdict. Hardcore supporters have vowed to ruin any domestic match held before the court reaches a decision.
The court will deliver a final verdict on the notorious case on 26 January, seven days before the league’s scheduled start.
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