FIFA lends helping hand

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ZURICH, Switzerland -- FIFA is giving $250,000 in aid to the families of victims of the Egyptian football stadium disaster last week.

FIFA says it will pay the money into a charitable account opened by the Al-Ahly club.

Fans of the Cairo club were among more than 70 people who died in a violent rampage and stampede after a league match between Al-Masry and Al-Ahly in Port Said.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter says "many of the victims were so young. They were also a crucial support for their families, who now need help."

Police have been accused of failing to protect Al-Ahly fans, who helped lead protests last year against the regime of ousted president Hosni Mubarak.

The stadium tragedy fueled renewed protests against Egypt's military rulers.