Egypt fires national team coach after marital dispute
The Egyptian Football Association replaced Hossam Hassan with Ali Maher following a media ban and a strong World Cup showing.
By Nikolai Morales ·
The Egyptian Football Association dismissed national team coach Hossam Hassan and his entire staff on Saturday. The decision ends a tenure marked by a record World Cup performance and internal conflict. The EFA appointed Ali Maher, currently the coach of Ceramica Cleopatra, to take over immediately.
The association cited recent developments and their negative impact on the team's image and stability as the reason for the change. Officials stated that maintaining stability within the squad is the top priority. This move followed a separate ruling three days earlier by Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation.
The media regulator barred Hassan from appearing on public platforms due to a case involving his private life. Local media reported that Hassan's lawyers filed a complaint against his ex-wife, Dina Mostafa, known professionally as Dan Adam. The complaint alleged forgery of official documents and bigamy. Representatives for Mostafa denied the allegations.
On the field, Hassan faced criticism after removing Mohamed Salah in the 60th minute during a goalless draw with Angola in September. Salah is a forward for Trabzonspor and later left the national team camp. The EFA explained that Salah avoids artificial pitches and would miss the qualifier against South Sudan later that month. Egypt won that match 5-0.
Questions about Hassan's position grew after Egypt reached the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, its best result in the tournament. FIFA suspended him for three matches after he criticized the referee following a knockout loss to Argentina. Former attacker Mido told officials in September that the situation had gone out of control and urged them to intervene.
Hassan, a former striker who took charge in March 2024, led Egypt to the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations. The team finished fourth in that tournament. His record in 38 matches stands at 21 victories, 10 draws, and seven defeats. The dismissal occurs just before two upcoming qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Maher, 52, faces his first two matches as manager on November 13 and November 17. Both games are against Malawi. The Egyptian squad will prepare for these fixtures under the new leadership.
