Egyptian FA boss reveals why they turned down a friendly against the USA

Egypt Fans

Wednesday Nov 15, 2017. 15:00

The Egyptian Football Association's chairman, Hany Abou-Rida has announced why they turned down an offer to play a friendly against the United States national team in January.

The Pharaohs are set to feature in their first FIFA World Cup since 1990 after finishing their qualifying group stage matches with a 1-1 draw against Ghana.

However, Abou-Rida says they cannot rush to play friendlies but will rather wait for the World Cup draw set be conducted at next month.

“We will not rush in playing a friendly. We will wait for the results of the draw and will schedule friendlies based on the international schedule,” Abou-Rida said to KingFut.

“I received an offer to play a friendly against the USA in January and refused to stop the league for a week and to play without the players abroad.

“I told the technical staff that it’s better to play friendlies with all the players especially since there are priorities including finishing the league season.

“The league this season has seen many strong games and comparable levels between the teams and we hope to produce new talents.”

On the other hand, the EFA boss adds that he’s not concerned with the results of the World Cup draw as Egypt will be placed in Pot 3.

“I do not care about the draw or who we wish to play since all the games in the World Cup will be hard. We will either play Brazil or Germany,” adds Abou-Rida.

“However, personally, I do not care about any team other than Germany who have been playing very well for the last two years.

“Brazil, on the other hand, play football in an open manner and have wonderful talent.”