Football

Egyptian Football Association Dismisses National Coach Hossam Hassan

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 8, 2026, 08:51 IST

The Egyptian Football Association has parted ways with national team coach Hossam Hassan, citing concerns over team stability. Ali Maher has been appointed as his successor ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Egyptian Football Association Dismisses National Coach Hossam Hassan

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has officially dismissed national team coach Hossam Hassan and his entire coaching staff. The decision, announced on Saturday, follows a period of mounting pressure surrounding the manager, with the governing body citing concerns regarding the stability and public image of the national side.

In a formal statement, the EFA confirmed that it had conducted a review of recent events and their subsequent impact on the team. The association concluded that the ongoing situation had created a negative environment, necessitating a change in leadership to restore stability to the squad. Ali Maher, who currently manages the club side Ceramica Cleopatra, has been named as the new head coach.

Controversy and Coaching Transition

The dismissal follows a turbulent week for the former national team striker, who had been at the helm since March 2024. Only three days prior to the EFA's announcement, Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation issued a ban preventing Hassan from appearing on any media platforms. This regulatory action was linked to ongoing legal matters concerning his private life and his former wife, Dina Mostafa.

Reports from local media indicate that legal representatives for Hassan had previously filed a complaint against his ex-wife, alleging bigamy and the forgery of official documents. These allegations have been consistently denied by representatives for Mostafa. According to an EFA source, these personal issues had generated significant tension, which ultimately influenced the association's decision to terminate his contract.

Legacy and Future Challenges

Hassan’s tenure included notable competitive milestones for the Egyptian national team. Under his guidance, the squad reached the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, marking the nation's most successful run in the tournament's history. Additionally, he led the team to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, where they ultimately secured a fourth-place finish.

Despite these on-field results, the off-field disputes had become a point of public concern. In September, former Egypt attacker Mido publicly addressed the situation, stating that matters had spiralled out of control and urging football officials to intervene. With the coaching change now confirmed, the focus shifts to the immediate future of the national side. Ali Maher is set to lead the team into their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Malawi, scheduled for November 13 and 17.