Pyramids FC clarifies Moroccan fans' problem during match against AS FAR

Photo credit: Pyramids FC

Hisham Zeid, the Match Director of Pyramids FC in Egypt, stated that the club did not prevent Moroccan fans from entering the Air Defense Stadium during the match between Pyramids FC and Morocco’s AS FAR. The match ended with a 4-1 victory for the home team in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

The Match Director explained that the security clearance granted Pyramids FC permission to allow only 2,000 spectators to attend the match. According to CAF regulations, the visiting team is entitled to 5% of the permitted attendance, which equates to 100 tickets. These tickets were handed over during the pre-match security meeting in the presence of CAF officials.

After a request from the Moroccan club and the Moroccan Embassy in Cairo to increase the ticket allocation, Pyramids FC voluntarily agreed and provided an additional 100 invitations, 20 VIP box invitations, 10 VVIP invitations, and two private boxes, each accommodating 20 additional fans.

The Match Director emphasized that security personnel were surprised by the presence of a larger-than-allowed number of fans carrying tickets.

The Moroccan fans refused to follow security instructions, which required those with tickets to enter first before initiating procedures for the remaining supporters using their Moroccan passports. Instead, they insisted on entering together.

However, allowing the full number to enter required additional security approvals, which were delayed until the second half.

Those holding valid tickets were welcome to enter from the beginning but chose to wait in order to enter collectively.

Hesham Zeid affirmed that Moroccan fans are always welcome in Egypt, their second home, at any time and Egypt remains a home for all Arabs, and Pyramids FC is always happy to host its guests under any circumstances.