The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) will receive a large sum of USD as the Waliyas get set to face Egypt in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying. EFF secretary general Bahiru Tilahun revealed that the federation pocketed a substantial amount due to financial assistance from host nation Morocco as well as the attention generated by facing Egypt and the North African nation's well known star players.
The game between the two nations will be played in Casablanca, Morocco with Ethiopia designated as the home side. Tilahun stated the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) will cover the expenses of the Waliyas:
"Financially we are incurring a lot. Morocco covers the accommodation and stadium expenses after the EFF president Mr. Esayas Jira and FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa discussed about the matter. The Moroccan federation covers at least a cost of $50,000 USD for us. We are very grateful for their support."
The match against the Pharaohs is a blessing in disguise for the struggling Ethiopian side. An Egypian company named Subway paid $70,000 USD for pitch side advertisement hoarding. Tilahun said they worked on the deal two years ago. "When the group draw is announced, from retrospect we knew the home game against Egypt will attract many advertisers given the status of the Pharaohs. So we worked on the deal two years ago."
Waliyas are playing their home games outside of the country after CAF deemed stadiums in Ethiopia are unfit to host international and continental games.
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