With an apparent sign of support, the EFA postponed Ahli’s league game against Ismaili, which was scheduled for Monday, to give the Red Devils sufficient time to prepare for their Champions League tie against Enyimba of Nigeria.
Their decision was completely unjustified, given that the Red Devils did not even ask for such support. The six days which separate the league clash from the Champions League semi final should have been enough for Ahli to be ready to roll.
Ironically, Ahli earlier decided to fly to Aba city, where the match will take place, on private jet as to save time, thus banishing the only excuse left for the EFA to delay the match – an expected tiring journey.
But it seems that the EFA and Ahli have struck an under-the-table deal to sort out their problems in the best possible way, regardless of any dire consequences.
Ahli expected something in return for giving up their persistent desire to own the exclusive rights of broadcasting their home league matches, something the EFA sought for during the past few weeks.
The Cairo giants were subsequently rewarded. They will not have to play against fierce rivals Ismaili before facing Enyimba in an anticipated clash.
The EFA was often criticized for failing to organize a stable competition, and they did little to shrug off that notion.
Although they are fully aware of the clubs’ commitments in regional and African competitions, the EFA failed to announce the full fixtures of the ongoing season, leaving clubs to guess whom would they face after four or five months.