The Egyptian FA has submitted ‘comprehensive documents and plans’ to Fifa, guaranteeing the safety and security of Ghana if they travel to Cairo for next month’s World Cup playoff clash, a FIFA insider has told GHANAsoccernet.com exclusively.
The Black Stars will take on the Pharaohs in the second-leg of the playoffs but the venue for the match was thrown into doubt following Ghana’s complaints over the security situation in Egypt.
The north African country has been in turmoil since the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak which has matches in the country being played behind closed doors.
Since President Mohammed Morsi was overthrown the violence in the country increased with many deaths but Egypt scheduled Cairo as the venue to host the second leg on 19 November even though all their qualifying matches were played behind closed doors.
This prompted Ghana to contact Fifa to request that next month’s World Cup play-off against Egypt in Cairo be moved to a neutral venue.
FIFA gave Egypt until 28 October (yesterday) to provide “comprehensive security assurances” for the match.
The (EFA) has informed FIFA that they are ready to host and secure Ghana when they arrive in Cairo to face the Pharaohs.
“FIFA has received very comprehensive documents and plans to host Ghana in the second-leg. They have assured FIFA they will safely host the match,” the FIFA insider told Ghana’s leading football news website, GHANAsoccernet.com.
Ghana’s original demand for a venue switch, submitted on October 8, urged world football’s governing body to find “a safe and secure venue”.
The Black Stars are concerned about the volatile security situation in the Egyptian capital.
The first leg in Ghana finished with a 6-1 win for the Black Stars.
Egypt’s dream of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1990 is almost out of sight after the heavy defeat in Ghana.
The Egyptian team will be seeking a win in the second-leg to boost millions of Egyptians who were shocked by the resounding defeat and dismayed at losing their World Cup dream.
Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan says he and his teammates in the Black Stars are afraid of traveling to Cairo to face Egypt in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers in November because of security concerns.
Egypy has been in turmoil for over two years since the political upheaval and the ousting of Mohammed Morsi has started fresh violence with many people losing their lives.
Source: Ghanasoccernet.com
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