Crowd ban still hurts
Ahly sell stars and miss out on Champions League semis
gyptian stadiums used to provide such an intimidating atmosphere that the clubs’ fanatical ultras had every right to consider themselves their team’s fabled “12th man”. Trips to Cairo’s International Stadium for matches against Al Ahly and Zamalek were pilgrimages of dread for clubs from across the continent.
But for the past five years supporters have been banned and grounds across the country are now virtual mausoleums, stripping Egyptian sides of a big home advantage in continental competition and leaving the game in one of Africa’s traditional footballing powers at a distinct crossroads.
The Arab Spring promised democratic change across the Middle East and gave Egyptians a heady but brief taste of freedom. Ultra groups were at the heart of the Tahrir Square demonstrations that led to the downfall of president Hosni Mubarak and the backlash from the security apparatus continues to be felt, with the clubs baring a heavy burden.
Crowds are virtually non-existent in the capital and the Cairo International Stadium is no longer in use. It is mostly just a couple of thousand well-connected supporters who get to attend these days, although every so often a limited attendance is allowed, particularly to back the national team.
With revenue from attendances having dried up, the pinch is being felt, with the added effect that the aura of invincibility that used to surround Al Ahly and Zamalek has disappeared.
With the game dipping into crisis, Ahly have had to cash in on their best players, with the most