Hossam Hassan sacked as Egypt coach amid personal controversy

Hossam Hassan has lost his job as head coach of Egypt's national football team amid controversy over his personal life. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Saturday that it was ending his contract. At the same time, Ceramica Cleopatra coach Ali Maher was appointed as the new coach.

In a statement, the EFA said the board decided to end the contracts of Hassan and his technical and administrative staff after reviewing various recent events and circumstances. Those events had a negative impact on the image and stability of the national team. The association did not specify exactly which incident prompted the decision.

Earlier, Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation banned Hassan from appearing in all media, on charges of violating rules protecting personal privacy. The step was taken after a personal dispute between Hassan and his former wife became public. In September, the council had asked the EFA to take necessary action on the matter.

Egyptian media believe that it was Hassan's personal controversy, rather than rumours of disagreements with players, that played the bigger role in his removal. His relationship with the team's star forward Mohamed Salah has also been discussed at various times.

The EFA moved quickly to appoint a new coach after Hassan's departure. The 52-year-old Ali Maher is currently in charge of Ceramica Cleopatra, who are fourth in the Egyptian Premier League. He previously coached Smouha, ENPPI, Al Masry and Modern Sport. The federation has asked the new coach to submit a plan for forming his own technical staff.

Hossam Hassan, Egypt's all-time top scorer, took charge of the national team in February 2024. Replacing Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria, he became the first former footballer from the country to coach Egypt at a World Cup.

Under him, Egypt played 38 matches, winning 21, drawing 10 and losing 7. Egypt finished fourth at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. At the 2026 World Cup, they reached the round of 16 before losing 3-2 to Argentina. After the World Cup, the federation extended Hassan's contract until 2030.

However, after the match against Argentina, Hassan also faced FIFA punishment. He and his twin brother and team director Ibrahim Hassan were banned for three matches. As a result, they will not be in the dugout for the two upcoming matches against Malawi and the qualifier against Angola next March.

Hassan also faced criticism after a goalless home draw against Angola in September. Questions were raised about his decision to take Mohamed Salah off in the 60th minute of that match.

Egypt will begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers from 9 November. They will play Malawi in their first match at the Cairo International Stadium on 13 November, with the return leg away on 17 November. Egypt currently top Group B.