Taha Ezzat, head of the Competitions Committee at the Clubs League, explained the reasons for rejecting holding Petrol Assiut's matches in the Egyptian Premier League at both the Petrol and Cement Assiut stadiums.
Petrol Assiut Club issued a statement condemning the decision to hold the team's matches at Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria. (See details)
Taha Ezzat, head of the Competitions Committee at the Clubs League, told FilGoal.com: "Petrol Assiut Stadium has not met the necessary requirements to host league matches and has not obtained the required approvals, whether security-related, television-related, or regarding VAR technology implementation, in addition to lacking lighting facilities."
He added, "As for the alternative venue, Cement Assiut Stadium, it also fails to meet the required conditions."
He clarified, "Petrol Assiut Club voluntarily chose to play at Borg El Arab Stadium. Once the club meets the requirements and obtains the necessary approvals, it will immediately return to playing at its home stadium."
He concluded, "The Clubs League maintains equal distance from all clubs and desires the presence of spectators in all stadiums."
The Clubs League announced the relocation of all Petrol Assiut matches during the first phase of the league competition and the group stage of the Cairo Capital Cup to Borg El Arab Stadium instead of Cement Assiut Stadium, maintaining the previously scheduled dates and times.
Petrol Assiut has officially returned to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.
This marks the fourth season in which Petrol Assiut participates in the Premier League.
Petrol Assiut previously qualified for the Premier League for the first time in its history during the 2006-2007 season but was relegated in the same season.
The club qualified again in the 2008-2009 season and successfully avoided relegation, before competing in the 2009-2010 season, which witnessed their relegation, marking the team's last appearance in the Premier League prior to this season's return.
Petrol Assiut begins its new season campaign today, Saturday, with a match against Suez Petrojet at 5:00 PM at Borg El Arab Stadium.
