FIFA has asked Egypt for written guarantees confirming additional security measures to protect the Algerian squad ahead of a Saturday’s World Cup qualifier.
Algerian state radio reported that three players were hurt when youths stoned the Algeria team bus as it arrived in Cairo on Thursday.
“Following the incidents that occurred yesterday in Cairo after the arrival of the official delegation of the Algerian national team, FIFA’s Organising Committee… have asked the Egyptian Football Association and the highest national authorities… to provide written guarantees that confirm the implementation of the necessary additional safety and security measures at any time for the Algerian delegation,” the sport’s governing body said in a statement.
African champions Egypt are three points behind Group C leaders Algeria and need to win Saturday’s match by a three-goal margin to qualify for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
A two-goal victory for Egypt would leave the teams tied on goal difference and goals scored, forcing a playoff in Sudan on November 18.
Egypt’s Interior Ministry said it had taken strict security measures to prevent violence during the game.
Background to the rivalry between Egypt and Algeria.
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