The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has set 18 December as the start date of the new season of the Egyptian premier league. “Upon the request of the domestic league clubs, the EFA board has sent the issue of the new season to the ministries of sport, interior and defence,” the EFA said in a statement on their official website on Monday. “We asked for the approval to hold the tournament, which will start on 18 December and continue until 1 October 2013,” added the statement. The Egyptian league has been suspended since 1 February when 72 Ahly fans died in attacks, allegedly by the opposing fans, during a match at Port Said stadium. The new league season was due to start on 17 October, but the EFA said it would not be able to hold the competition, citing a lack of response from the interior ministry. Ahly fans insist that the Egyptian league should remain suspended until the court investigating the case issues verdicts. Hardcore supporters have vowed to ruin any domestic match held before the judgement is announced. Monday’s announcement comes amid heavy criticism of football officials in Egypt for failing to arrange league resumption until now. From ahramonline