FIFA president Sepp Blatter pledged that the world governing body would do its best to come to a fair decision over the incidents that marred Egypt-Algeria World Cup qualifiers, the Egyptian FA said.
Algeria’s bus was reportedly stoned upon their arrival in Cairo to face Egypt on November 14 but the EFA accused the Desert Foxes of blowing the incident out of proportion.
Egypt won the game 2-0 to force a playoff in Sudan four days later and more controversy was to follow.
Algeria defeated the Pharaohs 1-0 to reach the World Cup but their fans, who were infuriated by false allegations that eight Algerians were killed in Cairo, attacked Egyptian supporters with knives and blades in the streets of Khartoum.
FIFA said they had opened disciplinary proceedings against Egypt, who responded by filing a complaint against Algeria.
EFA president Samir Zaher and board member Hani Abou-Reida, who is also a member of FIFA’s executive committee, flew to Switzerland on Thursday to present their documents.
“Mr. Blatter said FIFA will be very cautious when making a final decision over the matter to ensure justice for both parties,” the EFA said in a statement on their website.
“Their disciplinary committee will take its time to examine and review everything related to this issue before announcing its decision.”
Blatter has recently called an extraordinary meeting of FIFA’s executive committee to discuss playoffs controversies.
Thierry Henry’s handball against Ireland and the Egypt-Algeria incidents are likely to be in the agenda of FIFA when the meeting takes place in Cape Town on December 2.
