Zamalek consider donation to Palestinian Authority

الخميس، 11 مايو 2006 - 15:29

كتب : Ahmad Saied

Zamalek football team

Zamalek may donate a share of the Cairo derby's revenues to the Hamas-led Palestinian government which is currently hit by a deep financial crisis, club president Mortada Mansour said on Thursday.

"I will consider with the board of directors the possibility of donating a share of the income in our match against Ahli to the Palestinian Authority," Mansour told a press conference.

The United States and the European Union have stopped aid to the Palestinian Authority after Hamas refused to recognize Israel and abandon armed resistance.

Sunday's match is expected to attract a huge crowd should Zamalek stick to their earlier decision of not airing the game on national TV before receiving their overdue money from the government.

"We won't give the TV rights to the Egyptian television unless we take the late EGP four-million from the Information Ministry," Mansour, a former MP, said.

Locally, Egyptian Television has the rights to air all the domestic league matches for specific fees that vary according to the club's status.

Despite being at the top of the list, Ahli and Zamalek always fall out with the government over late payments.

Several matches have been shut off the national TV over the past few years, but not a derby among any of them.

The Cairo Police Department is likely to refuse the club decision. The Interior Ministry has the powers to force the club to air the game if it cited security reasons.

Ahli need a draw to retain the Egyptian league title while Zamalek, almost lost hope in first spot, seek their first victory over their arch-rivals this season, being tied in the first round and losing twice in the African Champions League.

التعليقات