Taha Ezzat, head of the competitions committee, confirmed that the Petroleum Assiut stadium will not be changed until all necessary approvals for hosting matches are obtained.
Petroleum Assiut Club had previously expressed its dissatisfaction over having its matches moved outside the governorate, stressing that the issued decision would result in exorbitant costs as well as player fatigue.
Statements by Taha Ezzat
Taha Ezzat clarified in statements to "Yalla Kora" that there are several obstacles preventing matches from being held at the Petroleum Assiut Stadium.
The head of the competitions committee pointed out that the stadium lacks lighting and is not ready for television broadcasting.
He added: "The stadium is not equipped to use offside cameras or matters related to VAR."
He concluded: "Borg El Arab Stadium will be its designated venue pending completion of the necessary approvals."
Petroleum Assiut Statement
"To the historic fans of Upper Egypt, the loyal sons of Assiut, these words come from the heart of sorrow and injustice inflicted upon Petroleum Assiut Club, representing all of Upper Egypt, following the evident obstinacy in depriving it of an inherent right: playing on its home ground before its own supporters."
"A large segment of Upper Egypt is living in grief and anger due to being marginalized and denied its most basic legitimate sporting rights to represent the region appropriately after its historic promotion to the Premier League."
"We were surprised on Wednesday evening, just 48 hours before the match, with unexpected decisions that increased the burdens placed on the club."
"The administration has fulfilled all technical approvals for broadcasting and video technology at the governorate's stadiums in preparation for the upcoming match; nevertheless, the club is being forced to play matches outside Assiut Governorate at exorbitant cost and with lengthy travel hardships, especially given that there is no fully approved stadium anywhere in Upper Egypt from Beni Suef to Aswan capable of hosting these competitions."
"Now, we declare clearly that the club's management faces two bitter options: either accept the challenge of playing away from home and endure this great hardship to ensure the team's continuity, or take other decisive measures to safeguard the entity's rights."
"Upper Egypt is no less than any other region, and our right to represent our fans is a red line. Neither our vast fanbase nor our symbols will accept Assiut remaining hostage to administrative and logistical obstinacy. If everyone does not move to support what is right, the voice of Upper Egyptian anger will not cease. Everyone must know that both the Petroleum and Assiut Cement stadiums have hosted more than 100 Premier League matches in previous years, which raises many question marks about the reasons for rejecting them now."
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