Jordan FA Reaffirms Support for Coach Badou Zaki

The Jordanian Football Association has dismissed rumors that Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan could replace Moroccan manager Badou Zaki. Marwan Jumaa, vice president of the association, denied reports circulating in Egyptian and Arab media, stating that the speculation was unfounded. The association reaffirmed its confidence in Zaki and his technical staff. Zaki's contract runs until September 2027, and the federation intends to give him sufficient time to implement his plans.

The rumors surrounding Zaki's position gained attention just days before Jordan's international friendly against Australia. The match, scheduled for November 17 at Amman International Stadium, will provide another opportunity for Zaki to assess his squad. The association canceled a planned November 13 friendly against Indonesia at the Indonesian association's request. Zaki took charge of Jordan in July 2026, replacing compatriot Jamal Sellami, who resigned after leading the national team to a successful period.

Zaki's appointment came with the task of preparing Jordan for the AFC Asian Cup. However, the Asian Football Confederation recently postponed the tournament, originally scheduled for January 2027, to December 23, 2027–January 21, 2028. The revised calendar has raised questions about Zaki's contractual future, with the competition now scheduled to begin after the reported expiration of his current agreement.

Speaking at a press conference on November 7, Zaki stated that he was concentrating on his responsibilities rather than the duration of his contract. "Results and the circumstances surrounding the team determine whether a coach stays or leaves," he said. Zaki guided Morocco to the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations final and will look to use the coming months to prepare Jordan for another continental campaign.

Jordan will compete in Group B of the Asian Cup alongside Uzbekistan, Bahrain, and North Korea. The team hopes to build on its runners-up finish in the previous edition. The Jordanian Football Association plans to arrange as many friendly matches as possible to help Zaki assess the team's development before the next Asian Cup.

The clarification from the Jordanian Football Association puts an end to speculation surrounding Zaki's position, at least for now. The association's support for Zaki and his technical staff is a significant development, given the rumors linking Hassan with a possible return to Jordan. Hassan previously coached Jordan between 2013 and 2014, leading the national team to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The Asian Cup preparations are a crucial period for Zaki and the Jordanian national team. With the tournament postponed to late 2027, Zaki has more time to work with his squad and implement his strategies. The friendly match against Australia will be an important test for the team before the Asian Cup.

Key points

• The Jordanian Football Association has reaffirmed its support for coach Badou Zaki, dismissing rumors of Hossam Hassan replacing him.
• Zaki's contract runs until September 2027, and the association plans to give him sufficient time to implement his plans.
• The Asian Football Confederation postponed the AFC Asian Cup to December 23, 2027–January 21, 2028, raising questions about Zaki's contractual future.