Egypt sacks coach Hossam Hassan over ‘negative impact’ on team image

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's soccer coach Hossam Hassan was dismissed on Saturday due to his "negative impact on the team's image," according to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA). The EFA provided no further details, stating that preserving the team's stability is of utmost importance and cannot be jeopardized.

Egyptian media speculated that the decision might be linked to Hassan's personal life rather than conflicts with the players, including star forward Mohamed Salah. Last week, the Supreme Council for Media Regulation banned Hassan from appearing in any media outlets, a rare move against a national coach. This stemmed from controversies surrounding Hassan's private life.

Hassan was appointed as Egypt's coach in 2024 and held the position as the first former Egypt player to lead the national team in a World Cup match this year. However, Egypt was eliminated by Argentina in the round of 16. The Egyptian Football Association immediately replaced Hassan with Ali Maher, a seasoned head coach in the Egyptian Premier League who is currently managing fourth-placed Ceramica Cleopatra.

Maher faces the challenge of quickly adapting to his new role, as Egypt will face Malawi in a crucial match for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification on November 13 and 17. Egypt currently leads Group B.