FIFA has fined Egypt’s football federation 50,000 Swiss francs ($50,000) for playing a World Cup warm-up game during a prohibited period.

No international friendlies were allowed from 21-27 May which was a mandatory rest week for World Cup players.

FIFA says the mandatory rest week was “in order to protect players before the final competition”.

On 25 May, Egypt played Kuwait and drew 1-1 in Kuwait City.

Top striker Mohamed Salah did not play for Egypt as he was in Kiev, Ukraine, with Liverpool preparing for the Champions League final against Real Madrid the following day. The Champions League final is exempted from the FIFA rule.

Egypt played only its third World Cup in Russia this summer, after also qualifying for the finals in 1934 and 1990.

They failed to advance to the knockout stage after losing all of their games despite having superstar Salah in the squad.

AP

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com