Ghaly may quit Egypt

Al-Ahly player Hossam Ghaly  Cairo – Hossam el-Sayed Hossam Ghaly, captain of the Egyptian Premier League al-Ahly, hit out at the decision to delay the domestic league because it will strike a blow to Egyptian football. Speaking exclusively to Arabstoday he admitted  he fears the decision will cause increased levels of crime and rioting and that he is seriously considering leaving Egypt because of the conditions. The Egyptian Football Federation took the decision to indefinitely delay domestic league games on Tuesday  because police have not given assurances they can secure matches. Hossam Ghaly believed the clubs and leagues will pay the price for this decision, which will paralyse the game. Hossam Ghaly opens up about the protests and future in his interview with Arabstoday below. Captain Ghaly, what do you think about the current situation within Egyptian football? It is traumatic and frustrating. It’s unbelievable that a state of institutions can’t hold a national league and the state of confusion resulting from this decision can’t be described. In your opinion, who is responsible for this situation? Several sides are responsible, but the officials should intervene immediately to resolve the pending issues. Suspending sport activities is risky and could lead to disasters, which will cost Egyptian sports. What are the consequences of suspending sport activities? The clubs have been extremely affected and some of them are almost broke. That’s in addition to the deterioration of the players in several poor clubs. Moreover, crime and rioting will increase in Egypt because of the free time people will have as a result of the absence of the league, especially because Egyptians are known for their love of football. Does that mean you agree with the protests outside the Federation demanding the return of football? Yes, and it’s the right of all citizens to demand their rights and to escalate the issue in any way they deem appropriate. I’m astonished by the country's decision, which interrupts the work of a huge sections of citizens and then, they are surprised about the protests and strikes. Everyone should be aware that the crisis suffered by most of the population will lead to more violence. If it wasn’t for your Sunshine Stars game commitment on the same day, would you participate in the protests? Well, agreeing with the protests doesn’t necessarily mean participating in them. I won’t find myself demonstrating, but I totally agree with all their legitimate demands. I hope these demands will be met and that the sport returns as soon as possible. What if the situation doesn't change? I hope it does. All that I am concerned about is the increase of violence and crime and that Egyptian sport will become a memory, after all, the Egyptian leagues were the most powerful teams in the competitions. It’s enough that the league, which achieved a record by winning the African Nations championships, will miss the next cup of nations for the second consecutive time. This is a priceless loss after becoming victim to the suspension of activity. What about your contract with al-Ahly and its renewal? My contract ends at the end of the current season and no one has yet discussed the renewal with me. We agreed with captain Sayed Abdel Hafiz to delay this issue until after the team competes with the African champions, but there aren’t any obstacles or problems with that regard. Did you agree to the contract’s renewal or are you considering leaving? I haven't taken a final decision and I’m ready for the renewal. Still, if I do receive an offer of a professional contract I’ll study it carefully. I remember when I arrived in Holland to play for Feyenoord they thought we rode camels in the streets of Egypt, but I was able to change this image. Do you have a certain destination in mind for work? I hope to return to Europe, but I don’t mind gaining the experience in the Gulf. However, I have some reservations about moving to the Saudi Arabian league after the famous doping crisis. What are your expectations for al-Ahly against the Sunshine Stars on Sunday? The match will definitely be difficult, but we are looking to win the game and will not be demotivated by the results of the first game. We will win this game and qualify for the finals, God willing. It will be the ultimate proof that the team has made it through all the difficulties and created a miracle.