September 25 – Egypt’s national team are facing the unlikely possibility of being excluded from the 2026 World Cup due to an unpaid fine according to reports in the country and Switzerland.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) is apparently under pressure as a looming FIFA sanction threatens to bar the nation, one of Africa’s footballing heavyweights, from the tournament if the financial dispute isn’t resolved.
A report in the mass circulation Swiss publication Blick highlights a contractual conflict involving the EFA and a Swiss company responsible for organising international friendly matches.
On December 5, according to Blick, a FIFA tribunal ruled in favour of the Swiss firm, mandating the EFA to settle a fine for contravening their contractual obligations.
Despite the ruling, the Egyptian FA has reportedly yet to comply, prompting FIFA to deliver a final warning and give Egypt 30 days to pay.
Reports in Egypt claim that should the FA refuse to pay up, the Pharaohs, who currently stand unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying campaign, could be kicked out though that remains very much a last resort.
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