Ghana repeat FIFA plea to change venue
With a 6-1 advantage the Black Stars have little to worry about on the pitch but they are concerned about safety off it.
Published On 23 Oct 2013
Ghana contacted FIFA for a second time on Wednesday to request next month’s World Cup play-off against Egypt in Cairo be moved to a neutral venue.
The Black Stars are concerned at the volatile security situation in the Egyptian capital.
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“My strong conviction is that the match must be moved from Cairo because of the incidents of insecurity each day over there,” explained Kwesi Nyantaki, president of the Ghana Football Federation.
Much as we sympathise with our brothers at the Egyptian Football Association, we are highly concerned about the security and safety of our players
Nyantakyi said: “We can’t put in danger the lives of our players, officials and fans by bringing them to Cairo, you can’t replace a life.
“It would be better for FIFA to choose another venue rather than Egypt for this game.”
Ghana romped to a 6-1 win over Egypt in the first leg of the two-legged play-off in Kumasi last week. The return leg is scheduled for November 19.
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”.
“Much as we sympathise with our brothers at the Egyptian Football Association, we are highly concerned about the security and safety of our players, officials and supporters and would like FIFA to take the necessary steps to protect lives and from both Ghana and Egypt during the second-leg game,” the GFA wrote then.
Egypt have until Monday to provide FIFA with a written guarantee from the Egyptian authorities on the security situation for next month’s tie.
Source: AFP