Africa Cup of Nations host Egypt bogged down in domestic football crisis

In the politically turbulent period after the 2011 uprising that toppled long-time ruler Hosni Mubarak, some fan groups attached to the two powerhouse clubs were instrumental in mobilising demonstrations [Courtesy]

Little more than three months before it hosts the Africa Cup of Nations, Egyptian football has been plunged into its latest crisis with major clubs squabbling, games regularly called off and security services intervening amid ongoing safety concerns.

"This is the hardest season in the history of Egyptian football," Amer Hussein, chairman of the domestic league's competition committee which schedules matches, told AFP.