FIFA has confirmed that representatives from the Dutch FA (KNVB) and the FA "will be participating in a podium discussion on the future of artificial turf in football" at this year's IAKS (Int'l Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities) congress in Cologne (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 9/26). ... The Egyptian FA has confirmed that Egypt's World Cup qualifier against Ghana "will be played in Cairo." Following extensive discussions, the country’s Sports Minister Taher Abou Zeid "agreed to make concessions for the game" which is set to take place on Nov. 19. Restrictions "had been in place since a post-match pitch invasion at a game between Al Masry and Al Ahli at Port Said last year resulted in 74 casualties" (ESPN, 9/26). ... South Africa Premier Soccer League side Mamelodi Sundowns "have lodged a complaint" with the South African FA and the Premier Soccer League "over the alleged conduct of match officials during the team's league match against Ajax Cape Town last week." The Memelodi Sundowns "have expressed concern about comments allegedly made by the referee to the fourth official, in which he asked 'are you with us or with Sundowns' as the teams were about to return to the field after the break" (SOWETAN LIVE, 9/25). ... Six months after taking over League Two side Portsmouth, Pompey Supporters' Trust Chair Ashley Brown said that "the group has shown it can manage the club's affairs even though former Owner Balram Chainrai dismissed the group's bid as being unworkable because of 'in-fighting' and 'lacking actual money.'" The PST said that the group already has 2,170 shareholders, owns 59.3% of the club and has raised nearly £2.5M ($4M) (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 9/26).
