It’s all over for Hossam Hassan and the Egypt national team. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has sacked the 60-year-old manager from his post as manager of the Pharaohs, along with his entire coaching staff. The decision was taken on Saturday on the sidelines of the Executive Committee meeting, two days before the national team’s training camp begins on Monday.

In a press release, the Federation took the opportunity to announce the appointment of his successor, Ali Maher, with immediate effect. He will lead the team against Malawi on 13 and 17 November for the third and fourth qualifying rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

“Following its meeting (…), and having examined all the circumstances and events that have occurred recently, as well as their repercussions and negative impact on the positive image of our national team and on its stability, the Board of Directors has decided, within the scope of its responsibilities, to part ways with head coach Hossam Hassan and his technical and administrative staff, in accordance with the terms of their contracts.”

Domestic disputes with his ex-wives in the media

This split, which has now become inevitable, comes after Hossam Hassan was banned by Egypt’s Supreme Media Regulatory Council from appearing in public for breaching privacy regulations.

A ban which, in practice, hinders him from carrying out his duties as national team manager, at a time when he was due to announce his squad very shortly.

The three-time African champion (1986, 1998, 2006) has been at the centre of controversies alleging breaches of public decency, fuelled by marital disputes, since his return from the 2026 World Cup, where he led Egypt to a historic round of 16 match against Argentina, who went on to reach the final.

In particular, his disputes with his two ex-wives were widely publicised and discussed ad nauseam on television, on the radio and on social media.

According to the journalist Micky Jnr, the federation had asked him to stop discussing his private life in public and to focus on his duties as head coach.

Except that he will see photos involving his ex-wives leaked, marking the point of no return in his collaboration with Egyptian football officials. According to Micky Jnr, the national team’s management have become dissatisfied with the situation. Other legends have also voiced their criticism, not to mention the outraged reactions from women’s rights campaigners in Egypt.

With Afrik-Foot

This article is a translation of a French original published by Le Quotidien. Lire l’original en français →