The Egyptian Football Federation (EFA) announced on November 7, 2026, that it had terminated the contract of national team coach Hossam Hassan and his technical and administrative staff. This decision comes after a series of public controversies surrounding Hassan's family life. Despite achieving notable results, including a fourth-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and a historic round-of-16 finish at the 2026 World Cup, Hassan's tenure ended due to off-field issues.
The troubles began in August 2026 in the resort town of El-Alamein, where a physical altercation broke out in a hotel between Hassan's two wives, Howaida Al-Ghabawi and Dina Mostafa. Hassan attempted to intervene and suffered a health issue, prompting law enforcement intervention. The incident was widely reported on social media and sparked a media and judicial backlash, including divorce proceedings, cross-complaints of forgery and bigamy, and the release of private photos.
The situation escalated when the Egyptian Supreme Council for Media Regulation banned Hassan from appearing on public platforms, effectively preventing him from holding press conferences and announcing squad selections. This development led the EFA to consider that the controversies were having a "negative impact on the positive image and stability of the national team."
As a result, the federation decided to part ways with Hassan on the eve of the November national team gathering. Hassan, 60, had been in the role since February 2024 and had recently had his contract extended until 2030. His achievements with the team, including a notable performance against Argentina in the World Cup, were overshadowed by the personal scandals.
In his place, the EFA appointed Ali Maher, who was previously in charge of the Ceramica Cleopatra club, to lead the team in the upcoming CAN 2027 qualifiers against Malawi. Maher faces the task of stabilizing the team and refocusing on the pitch after a tumultuous period off it.
The incident highlights the challenges that can arise when personal issues become public, affecting not just individuals but also their professional lives and the reputation of their organizations. The EFA's decision reflects the pressures on the national team to maintain a positive image and achieve success on the field.
Hassan's departure marks a significant change for Egyptian football, which had seen a resurgence in recent years under his leadership. The team's performance in future competitions will be closely watched, both in terms of results and the dynamics within the squad and coaching staff.
Key points
- Egyptian Football Federation terminates Hossam Hassan's contract due to public family feud.
- Hassan's departure comes despite notable achievements, including a fourth-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Ali Maher takes over as coach, tasked with leading the team in CAN 2027 qualifiers.
