CAIRO – Egyptian soccer authorities indefinitely suspended all soccer in the country Friday until there is a "return of stability" to a nation convulsed by protests and violence.
The Egyptian Football Association said in a statement it was postponing league games across all four of its professional divisions, as well as youth and junior competitions.
The 16th round of Egypt's Premier League was called off last week because of anti-government protests in Cairo and other cities. The EFA acted on a request from security authorities following the nationwide demonstrations.
Protesters have stepped up their campaign to oust President Hosni Mubarak after a nearly 30-year authoritarian reign, with pro-Mubarak and anti-Mubarak groups battling in the streets of the capital.
On Monday, the United States canceled an exhibition game against Egypt that had been scheduled for Feb. 9 in Cairo. The Egyptian federation said it would consult with the U.S. federation about rescheduling the game.
Also in doubt is an African Champions League qualifier involving the Cairo club Zamalek. The second leg of the series against Ulinzi of Kenya is scheduled for Cairo on Feb. 13.
Zamalek won the first leg 4-0 on Saturday but the team was then stranded in Kenya because of the violence at home. Zamalek reportedly has requested permission from the African Football Confederation to play the game in Libya.
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