11 coronavirus cases detected at Egyptian Premier League clubs – EFA

11 people tested positive for coronavirus on the third day of testing held by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to ensure that players and technical staff members are virus-free amid preparations to resume the league, the EFA announced on Thursday.

The EFA said in a statement on Facebook that the testing included players, coaches and administration members, Ahram Online reported.

Enppi confirmed that four members of the club tested positive, including a first-team player and a youth team footballer.

Alexandria-based club Ittihad also said one player was infected. Both sides did not identify those who contracted the virus as per guidelines introduced by the EFA.

Tanta football team later announced that 5 cases were detected among its team.

Sports activities have been suspended since mid-March due to the coronavirus, but the government has decided to allow sports to resume starting 20 June.

The reopening is part of a wider relaxation of restrictions that will see restaurants, sporting clubs and mosques open their doors starting Saturday, alongside the shortening of the country’s nighttime curfew.

Football activity will be resumed starting 25 July, and clubs may start training before then, once they have completed the required medical tests for players and staff.

Pyramids FC was the first Egyptian club to resume training on Tuesday under precautionary measures, and champions Ahly followed suit on Wednesday.

Egyptian football clubs have been divided over whether the country should resume the Premier League competition, with some supporting the planned resumption of the season while others oppose it.

Ahly have welcomed the league’s resumption, while archrivals Zamalek, Wadi Degla and Aswan SC have opposed the idea due to safety concerns.

Before the current suspension of football activities due to the coronavirus, holders Ahly were leading the league table with 49 points after playing 17 matches..