Ghana want World Cup tie in Egypt moved to safe venue

November 19 tie scheduled to be played in Cairo which has become a centre of riots and violence.

Football matches have often witnessed violence in Egypt, such as during a game between Al Masry and Al Ahly, two local football clubs. AFP

ACCRA // Ghana have urged Fifa to move next month’s 2014 World Cup Africa zone play-off against Egypt in Cairo to “a safe and secure venue” in the wake of the latest deadly clashes between Islamists and police.

In a strongly-worded letter to world football’s governing body the Ghana Football Association expressed “serious concern about the security and safety of our delegation and spectators if the match would be played in Egypt”.

The letter, sent on Monday, continued: “Events in the country pointedly indicate that our delegation could be exposed to danger as the violence and insecurity in the country continues relentlessly.

“We are aware of precedents set in countries with security concerns whose home football game including World Cup qualifying matches were moved from their home venues to safer ground in other countries.

“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.”

Clashes erupted on Sunday as supporters of Mohamed Morsi, the ousted president, tried to galvanise protests around Egypt but were dispersed by police.

A total of 48 people were killed in Cairo and nine in other parts of the country.

Ghana are scheduled to meet Egypt in Cairo on November 19, with the first leg slated for Kumasi in Ghana on October 15.

The November 19 fixture is set to be the first played by Egypt at home in front of fans as all their 2014 home qualifiers have been held behind closed doors due to the uncertain security situation.