World football governing body, FIFA, has threatened to suspend the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), following a court ruling to dissolve the elected board of the EFA.
Last month’s ruling cited violations in the 2012 electoral process but is yet to be implemented. However, FIFA warned Egypt that any interference in football affairs is strictly prohibited.
FIFA sent a letter to the EFA saying “sanctions will be considered, including suspension” if the court verdict takes effect.
“The EFA asks that all involved parties involved not to discuss this issue until it is resolved to ensure that the Egyptian national teams and clubs keep playing in the continental competitions,” the association said.
EFA Chairman Gamal Allam said he was ready to resign to spare Egypt any such problems.
“My resignation is ready. In case the board’s appeal [against the court ruling] is rejected, I will not embarrass the Ministry of Sports and I will resign immediately,” Allam was quoted as saying on Egyptian sports website Filgoal minutes after the EFA statement.
The appeal is set to be ruled on by the Administrative Court on 8 May.
Sports Minister Khaled Abdel-Aziz has expressed respect for FIFA regulations, insisting he has solutions for any possible legal issues possibly resulting from an appeal rejection, without revealing details.
The current board is set to remain in charge until September, 2016.
