Youth min.: Football fans' return to stadiums is important

Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhi stressed on Monday that the ministry is taking important steps as regards the return of football fans to stadiums, saying all coming steps will be well-calculated to serve sports in Egypt.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting with chairman of Al Ahly Club board Mahmoud el Khattib.

Khattib, who came to congratulate the minister on the new post, said all clubs and sports facilities are required to provide full support to the ministry within the coming period to be able to make real progress on important files, especially the return of football fans to stadiums.

This file is very vital, Khattib said.

Football fans have been banned from domestic league games in Egypt since February 2012, when 72 Ahly supporters died in clashes between fans at Port Said stadium.