Ghana wants a "neutral venue" for its 2014 World Cup qualifier on Nov. 19 against Egypt, "saying it is too dangerous to play the game in Cairo," according to the AP. In a letter to FIFA, the Ghana Football Association said that "the match should be moved to a 'safe and secure' venue." The letter said, "Our request is premised on the alarming and fast deteriorating security situation in Egypt." At least "51 people were killed in riots in Cairo last weekend linked to the ousting of the elected state president, Mohammed Morsi" (AP, 10/8).
ESPANYOL SUSPENDS FRIENDLY: EL PERIODICO reported La Liga side Espanyol has suspended a friendly scheduled to be played this weekend against Saudi club Al Ittihad in Libya. The match was "originally scheduled for August, but Espanyol backed out due to security concerns." The recent decision was made after José Riera, a Spanish ambassador in Libya, advised the team not to "come to Libya and take unnecessary risks." The agreement "for a game between the teams is still in effect and Espanyol is hoping to find an appropriate date in the next few weeks" (EL PERIODICO, 10/8).
