Egypt FA approves £70m support package for fan-based clubs nationwide

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA), led by president Hany Abou Rida, has approved a comprehensive £70m funding programme aimed at supporting fan-based and popular clubs across governorates throughout the country.

The scheme, confirmed by the EFA board, allocates funding for club support, promotion bonuses and prize money for youth and junior competitions, in what officials are presenting as a broad drive to strengthen community clubs and the domestic pyramid.

Under the new programme, any fan-based club that secures promotion to the Egyptian Premier League will receive a £5m bonus from the EFA. The incentive is designed to reward clubs with strong local followings that succeed in reaching the top flight.

New prize money for youth and junior competitions

The EFA has also earmarked £10m in total prize money for youth and junior tournaments. For the first time, financial rewards will be given to the teams finishing first in each regional branch in age-group competitions from the 2007 to 2013 birth years, covering six separate competitions.

In addition to these branch-level prizes, the plan includes dedicated awards for sector champions and national champions across all youth and junior categories. The EFA says these measures are intended to encourage investment in academies and long-term player development throughout the country.

Direct financial support for lower-division clubs

As part of the package, 120 fan-based clubs from governorates and cities competing in the second and third tiers will receive direct financial backing.

Clubs in the Third Division will be guaranteed a minimum grant of £100,000 each, while Second Division sides will receive at least £300,000. The association views this baseline funding as a way to help cover operational costs and ease financial pressure on clubs outside the Premier League.

The programme also introduces a higher level of targeted support for a group of prominent fan-based clubs currently competing in the Second Division (A).

Seven historic clubs to receive £1m each

Seven clubs in the Second Division (A) have been earmarked for enhanced backing of £1m each. The clubs named by the EFA are Ismaily, Mansoura, Tersana, Baladeyet El Mahalla, Tanta, Dairout and Al Nasr.

These sides, many of which have long histories and substantial local support, are seen as key pillars of the domestic game. The additional funding is intended to help stabilise their finances and strengthen their chances of competing for promotion.

The EFA’s £70m programme brings together all of these measures promotion rewards, youth and junior competition prizes, and direct grants to lower-division fan-based clubs into a single nationwide support plan for the coming period.