Daud Olatunji
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has sacked national team head coach, Hossam Hassan, following a turbulent period marked by controversies surrounding his personal life and disciplinary issues.
The decision was announced on Saturday night after a marathon meeting of the federation’s board of directors, which reviewed developments surrounding the coach and their perceived impact on the national team’s image and stability.
Hassan, 60, reportedly came under intense scrutiny following controversies involving his marital affairs with his two wives. The situation was further compounded by a media ban reportedly imposed on him by the country’s leadership earlier this month and a three-match suspension confirmed by FIFA in late October.
The federation said the developments had negatively affected the image of the national team, necessitating a change in its technical leadership.
In a statement published on its official website, the EFA said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of events and their implications for the team.
The statement read, “After studying all the circumstances and events that took place during the past period, and the resulting repercussions and negative impact on the positive image of our national team and its stability, the Board of Directors decided, within the framework of its responsibility, to thank coach Hossam Hassan and his technical and administrative staff based on the terms of the contract.”
The federation, however, acknowledged Hassan’s contributions during his time in charge, wishing him success in his future career.
In a swift move to fill the vacant position, the EFA announced the appointment of Ali Maher, former Pyramids FC coach, as the new head coach and technical director of the national team.
Maher has also been directed to present his technical vision and proposed backroom staff as he prepares to take charge of the Pharaohs.
The federation urged Egyptian football supporters to remain united behind the national team, stressing the importance of public support as the country prepares for its upcoming international engagements.
Hassan’s departure marks the end of a relatively successful but controversial spell that began in February 2024.
During his tenure, he reportedly led Egypt to its first World Cup match victory in 92 years and its first-ever appearance in the knockout stage of the competition.
He also guided the Pharaohs to a national record of 19 consecutive matches without defeat during a 38-match spell that produced 21 victories.
Despite those achievements, the controversies surrounding his tenure ultimately overshadowed his technical record, with the federation insisting that protecting the team’s image and stability remained paramount.
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