Dr. Bahaa Helmy Writes: A New Face of Football Support in Egypt

Egypt's acceptance to host and organize the Africa Cup of Nations at short notice, because Cameroon was not ready, is not only a challenge against time and the short period set for the start of the tournament, but also a challenge to itself as to whether it could accomplish what was required in the most beautiful and splendid way possible. It is a strategic decision in keeping with Egypt's presidency of the African Union and its ability to resolve crises. It became an opportunity to proclaim Egypt's role and the intellectual and planning renaissance it is witnessing, and its qualified capabilities to accomplish tasks as planned, with precision and professionalism. Egypt's gains have been many, whether in the world seeing a new Egyptian model of splendor, precision, organization and staging of the tournament's events, which began with the dazzling ceremony for the draw in the Pyramids area, followed by the launch of the tournament and the holding of its matches in stadiums equipped according to international standards and FIFA's safety and security rules for stadiums, after they were fitted with modern technology, together with the introduction of a new system for selling and circulating secure tickets; in addition to the upgrading of many facilities and hotels, means of transport and new roads to manage traffic to the stadiums in record time. Added to this are the material and economic gains for tourism, and the development of young people's awareness of the importance of volunteer work and their motivation to take part in collective work, entrenching the idea of volunteering and teamwork in accomplishing planned tasks, as well as fostering their spirit of loyalty and belonging. This splendid organization of the tournament and the outstanding conduct of its events and activities in several governorates at the same time expresses the reality of the security and stability Egypt is living, and this has a very positive return in promoting investment and attracting more tourism; it also points to the spirit of challenge and determination that Egyptians enjoy in building the future and confronting terrorism in all its forms. There is no doubt that the gains and achievements are many, but changing the face of football support in Egypt is one of the greatest security, social, cultural, civilizational and economic gains for Egypt. The return of the Egyptian family to the stadiums, with its members of various ages — children, adolescents or young people accompanied by their parents — is a qualitative leap and a new civilized face of football support in Egyptian stadiums. We have previously seen riots and violence inside and outside the stadiums at the hands of groups of fanatics who adopted lawless behavior and at one time turned the stadiums into arenas of killing and grief instead of enjoyment and joy, which led peaceful fans to stay away from the stadiums; but the application of the rule of law to everyone who committed murder or assaulted lives and public or private property and threatened and terrorized citizens had an effective impact in putting an end to this violence. The organization of the tournament, the announcement of the ticketing systems and informing the fans of the prohibitions, restrictions, guidelines and security procedures were factors that attracted the Egyptian family back to the football stadiums in a manner that reflects the beauty and refinement of Egyptian society. The countries of the world and all the delegations and teams of the participating countries, the media and journalists taking part in the tournament, as well as the guests, witnessed the football fans in Egypt and the images of Egyptian families in the stadiums and on electronic communication sites expressing their happiness at taking part in this sporting celebration, wearing the national team's kit and cheering warmly with refined songs and anthems, without this resulting in the injury or death of anyone and without their fearing for their lives. Reality is the best proof of the success of the Egyptian family and Egyptian youth in learning the lessons of the past, and of their determination to impose Egyptian values and morals on the way of supporting inside and outside the stadiums from now on. Belief in fair competition, rejection of the spirit of fanaticism and non-discrimination are the traits, customs and values of Egyptian society that do not change or alter whatever the challenges. The scenes of young people cleaning the stadiums after the matches are a model to follow. Long live the Egyptian family, with its young people, adolescents and children; long live every sincere effort in running and building this nation; long live Egypt.