By Andrew Warshaw
February 3 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has requested a full report from Egyptian authorities over the violence that left 74 people dead and over 1,000 injured.
Blatter has written to the head of the Egyptian Football Association Samir Zaher offering his condolences and support, even though the entire Egyptian FA appears to have been sacked by the Egyptian authorities.
“I would like to join your country and the football family in mourning the death of the dozens of Egyptian football fans and others at last night’s match in Port Said,” Blatter’s letter said.
“Today is a black day for football and we must take steps to ensure that such a catastrophe never happens again.
“Football is a force for good and we must not allow it to be abused by those who mean evil.
“As discussed by telephone this morning, I await further news from you concerning the circumstances of this tragedy.”
Angry Egyptians continue to clash with security forces in protest at them failing to prevent the deadliest incident since the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak last year.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, headed by Mubarak’s long-time defence minister, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, has vowed to track down the culprits.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734854994labto1734854994ofdlr1734854994owedi1734854994sni@w1734854994ahsra1734854994w.wer1734854994dna1734854994
Related stories
February 2012: Prime Minister disbands Egyptian FA after deadly riots
February 2012: Egypt goes into mourning after what Blatter describes as a “black day” for football
February 2012: Dozens killed in football riot in Egypt