21 - 27 June 2001
Issue No.539
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 21 - 27 June 2001 Issue No.539 |
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Half-time
Every which way
For a country that harbours ambitions of staging the World Cup and even an Olympics, Egypt is not doing itself any favours.
Take, as one example of muddled messes, Joseph Blatter's visit to Egypt in May. The FIFA president was treated to chaotic scenes of spectators, officials, people not so official and journalists running every which way, similar to chickens with their heads severed, wherever he went. Not one event on his one- day itinerary -- he laid the foundation stone for both the CAF and Egyptian federation training complexes; watched a match between Egypt and Senegal; honoured Hossam Hassan for becoming the world's most capped player; attended a press conference -- went anywhere near according to plan. Confusion reigned. Commotion ruled. Chaos triumphed. Naturally, tempers flared, not least Blatter's. At every turn, he appeared perplexed, bewildered and increasingly upset. Definite disorder was the order of the day.
Last Friday's FA cup final between Ahli and Mehalla saw another day of sheer madness. Three hours before kick off, the stadium's officials, together with security forces, announced they had received orders from a top official -- they never said who -- that the main gate would close. Consequently, journalists were prevented from driving into the stadium's parking lot although it was empty.
Forced to walk to the gate, a TV crew whose job it was to broadcast the game was prevented from entering; security personnel said they had standing orders not to allow anyone in. "Who cares" was the answer shot back at the crew when they explained that there would be no match on television if they were not let in.
Several VIP fans who bought tickets for hundreds of pounds, as well as Ahli's board of directors, were also shown the "No Entry" sign. Only when President Mubarak's representative to the match arrived did the gates magically swing open. (The subsequent stampede to enter left some people dazed, others bruised).
The affair did not end there. Ticket holders found their seats taken by those who had free invitations or were reserved for the children and even the bodyguards of high-ranking officials. After several verbal exchanges, paying customers were forced to watch the game either standing or sitting on stairs. The fiasco was complete when security forces manhandled media people as they made their way to the pitch following the match.
Such scenes of total disregard for organisation are not limited to football matches. In Egypt, they can be found in all sports, at all levels.
To be fair, Egypt does have a history of organising international events with a fair measure of success, including the under-17 World Cup and the world handball championship. But these events do not compare with a World Cup or an Olympics and the logistical nightmare such showcases present.
It's high time we ask ourselves how can a country not known for being organised be able to handle major sports events that epitomise organisation.
FIFA associate and former French star Michelle Platini, an eyewitness to May's mayhem, was overheard asking an assistant -- he spoke in French, out of politeness we guess, -- "Is this the country that wants to hold the World Cup?" Mon Dieu. We need to ask the same question.
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