By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport, Cairo

Ghali has pulled out for personal reasons

Egypt's hopes of hosting the 2010 World Cup finals have suffered a blow with news that Boutros Boutros Ghali has withdrawn from their bid delegation.

The former United Nations Secretary-General said he was forced to pull out of the final week of lobbying in Zurich for personal reasons.

Ghali was expected to head the Egyptian delegation in its final presentation to Fifa's 24 executive members before they select the winning country on Saturday.

But he said he would no longer be able to take part in the presentation because he had personal issues to tend to.

The other members of the delegation include Egypt's Minister of Youth and Sport, Dr Alie El Din Hilal, and the current chairman of the Egyptian football association, Essam Abdel-Moniem.

The Hollywood actor Omar Sharif has also been included in the Egyptian delegation.

The co-ordinator of Egypt's delegation Samir Adly confirmed to BBC Sport that Dr Ghali had withdrawn from the bid team.

He said the Minister for Youth and Sport was expected to name a replacement by Monday.

Meanwhile the minister, Dr El Din Hilal has written to Fifa president Sepp Blatter clarifying his country's remarks on the inspection group report that was published last week.

The letter pointed out that Cairo already has an underground train system despite the report suggesting plans were underway to build one.

It also highlighted the fact that Egypt is the only African country with two communication satellites. A point not mentioned in the report.