Football’s big names to play charity match for Palm Sunday bombing victims

CAIRO – 15 April 2017: Emirati Company informed the Egyptian Football Association of its willingness to organize a friendly match to raise money for the families of the victims of the Alexandria and Tanta church bombings, Executive Director of the EFA Tharwat Sweiliem announced Saturday.


The charity match is scheduled to involve retired Egyptian and international football stars, such as Argentina legend Maradona.


The Company will reveal the names of the stars participating in the tournament “soon,” as well as the relevant details.


On Palm Sunday, bombs exploded outside two Egyptian churches. Islamic State affiliates have claimed responsibility for both attacks.


A blast at Mar Girgis Church in Tanta left at least 44 dead and over 70 injured. Another attack four hours later at Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Alexandria resulted in 16 fatalities and at least 40 injuries.