http://beta.filgoal.com/English/News.aspx?NewsID=92515In a dramatic change of events, the Egyptian FA’s decision to relegate Masri from the Premier League has been overruled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Following the disaster that took place at their home stadium of Port-Said in a league game with Ahli last February, Masri have been handed a one-year ban from domestic competitions after being involved in the tragic death of more than 70 supporters.
But the coastal club appealed against the ruling of the FA, who confirmed that their earlier decision has been nullified by CAS, even though the latter has yet to make an announcement.
Criminal
“We received an official notification from CAS overruling Masri’s relegation to the second division,” Egyptian FA spokesman Azmi Megahed told FilGoal.com.
“The court declared that the incident took place outside the perimeter of the stadium.
“It also added that there was a criminal suspicion in the events and therefore the incident is not related to football.”
Abide by FA ruling
In the wake of the CAS verdict, Masri confirmed they will commit to the FA’s initial ruling by staying out of domestic action for next season.
In a statement issued on their website, the Port-Said club said they are 'satisfied and relieved by the fair ruling of CAS but will abide by the initial sanction imposed by the FA'.
The Masri board indicated that their decision comes 'in respect to the difficult conditions Egypt is passing through and for the safety of the club’s players, employees and fans'.
Football in Egypt has been severely hit by the calamitous Port-Said disaster as no domestic games have been held ever since February 1.
The FA is still struggling to get the green light from authorities to resume domestic football as Cairo duo Ahli and Zamalek have been playing continental games behind closed doors.
Perhaps relegation was too harsh of a punishment for a club anyways. The players, fans, and the club should not suffer for the actions of a few.
