Ghana wants neutral venue for World Cup play-off against Egypt

Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appealed to the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) to move the return leg of the World Cup play-off with Egypt slated for November 19 to a neutral venue.

The GFA cited the recent political instability in the North African country in a letter written late Monday.

The letter said ‘Our request is premised on the alarming and fast deteriorating security situation in Egypt. Since the date, kick-off and venue for the second-leg match were set, no official information has been received by the GFA from the Egypt Football Association or FIFA contrary to article 19 (2) of the Regulations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil.

‘Unfortunately, we have learnt about the date, kick-off and venue for the second leg match between Egypt and Ghana from the media.’

The Federation said it was ‘ gravely concerned that for the past two years Egyptian authorities have only allowed football matches to be played without spectators yet Ghana has reportedly been asked to play Egypt in Cairo before fans.

‘It is noteworthy that Egypt played all their home qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup with Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Guinea in Egypt without spectators.

‘Local clubs, Al Ahly and Zamalek played their recent CAF Champions League matches behind closed doors as the security authorities refused the supporters access to the games because of the current turmoil in Egypt.’

Winner of the play-off over two legs will pick one of Africa’s five slots for the Mundial fixed for Brazil next year.

Source: GNA