CAIRO: Ismaili chairman Nasr Aboul-Hassan called on local press to stop discussing “the alleged suspension of goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari.
The Egypt and Ismaili guardian was initially handed a ?900,000 fine and a four-month suspension for violating his contract with Ahly to join Swiss side Sion in February 2008.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later froze the sanction upon Al-Hadari s appeal, but they are yet to announce a final verdict.
Reports suggested that CAS might uphold FIFA s decision before Egypt s crunch World Cup qualifier at home to Algeria next month.
Those reports are completely groundless. FIFA did not contact Ismaili over any new decision regarding that matter, Aboul-Hassan, who brought Al-Hadari to the Dervishes in the close season, told FilGoal.com.
He will likely be fined but will not be suspended because FIFA will take his age (36 years) into consideration when making a final decision.
Some people want to break his confidence before the anticipated clash against Algeria and we should not give them the chance to do so.
Al-Hadari, whose heroics helped Egypt win back-to-back Nations Cup titles in 2006 and 2008, is widely regarded as the best keeper in Africa.
He pulled off a string of impressive saves to lead the Pharaohs to a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Zambia last week.
Egypt need to defeat Algeria at Cairo Stadium by a three-goal margin to ensure their progress to next year s Word Cup finals in South Africa.
A win by a two-goal margin will most likely set up a playoff meeting with the Desert Foxes for a place at football s most prestigious event.
