FIFA add a team and $1M to the World Cup clubs 2007
FIFA have added a million dollar prize money and granted an extra place to the host in this year's World Club Cup in Japan. "The organizing committee decided to increase the prize money by 1 million dollars for the 2007 event, putting a total of 16 million dollars up for grabs in Japan," the World governing soccer body said on Tuesday. "The champion will take home $5 million, the runner-up will net $4 million, and 3rd place $2.5 million. Fourth place will get $2 million, the two fifth-placed teams will receive $1 million and seventh place will earn $500,000." During the past two editions six teams used to participate in the competition. This year Japan's Champions will receive a spot and play the Oceania winners in the first match. FIFA has also decided that Japan will be awarded the 2008 competition with the bidding to host the 2009 event scheduled to start in November. Four clubs have already booked their places in this year's event. Italy's AC Milan (Europe), Argentinean Boca Juniors (South America), Pachucha of Mexico (CONMEBOL) and Waitakere United from New Zealand (Oceania). (from filgoal)

Alexandria derby ends in a goalless draw
Ittihad were held to a 0-0 draw by Haras Al-Hodoud, on Tuesday, in their season opener. Both sides didn't deliver their goods to keep the show at its minimum entertainment. Although there were a few chances during the game but despite the presence of some quality strikers at both sides of the pitch the game ended scoreless. In Mahalla, Ghazl Al-Mahala came from a goal down to end the match on a 3-2 victory against Enppi and grab their first three points of the season. Vincent Di Foneye broke the deadlock three minutes after the kick off but Mahalla responded with three second half goals from Nader Al-Ashri, 51, and a brace from Ahmed Hassan, 60, 67. Ahmed Al-Muhamadi pulled one back in the 75th minute but that was all and the full points went to the home side. Tersana, who barely stayed in the top flight, registered an excellent start of the season by beating Petrojet 3-1 on home soil. Hussein Ali opened the score from the spot in the second minute for the visitors. Reda Metwali, 26, Ahed Abdul-Meguid, 45, and Hani Hassan, 90, hit three past Petrojet.

Ahli arrive in Sudan on Friday
Ahli’s squad would arrive in Sudan on Friday to face Sudan’s champions Al-Helal in the Group B clash of the CAF Champions League on Sunday, Egyptian Football Association informed their Sudanese counterpart. Ahli’s coaching staff headed by Portuguese coach Manuel Jose has decided not to grant the players rest after being held to a 2-2 away draw by Masri on Monday in the season''s opener. Ahli Holders are leading the second group with 9 points as a result of winning three matches respectively, whilst Al-Helal are in the second place with 6 points.

Ahly clinch Egyptian Super Cup
African champions Ahly added another trophy to a host of recent triumphs with a penalty shoot-out victory over Ismaili in the Egypt Super Cup on Thursday. Ahly rallied from a goal behind to draw the match 1-1 before ensuring a third successive Egypt Super Cup success with a 4-2 shoot-out victory. Former Egypt international Mohamed Hommos put Ismaili ahead in the 32nd minute. But Ahly equalised shortly before half-time when Mohamed Aboutrika was fouled in the penalty area and captain Shady Mohamed successfully converted the spot kick. Mohamed also scored the decisive penalty in the shoot-out of the curtain raiser for the new premier league season in Egypt. The Egyptian league and cup double winners also won the African Super Cup in February.

Zamalek working out Wessam registration problem
Zamalek sent a delegation to Egyptian football association in order to work out Wessam El Abdi’s registration problem. The delegation, consisted of the white club chairman Mamdoh Abass, Amr El Ganaini and Ahmed Hafez Tawfiq, couldn’t persuade EFA officials to register the Tunisian player in the squad before settling down issues between Zamalek and Tunisian club Sfxian. The disagreement between Zamalek and Sfxian emerged when the latter perceived Wessam’s loan contract with Zamalek is revoked as they didn’t receive the last payment from the Egyptian side. The Egyptian league runners-up are still looking into that matter with EFA officials, and the final decision will be issued next week.