Egypt have sacked national team coach Hossam Hassan. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said on Saturday that it had reviewed recent events and their "negative impact on the positive image and stability" of the team. His technical and administrative staff are also leaving. "Maintaining stability of the team is top priority," the federation said, according to Al Jazeera.
The sacking came three days after Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation banned Hassan from appearing on media platforms. The ban was linked to a case involving his private life and his former wife, Dina Mostafa, known publicly as "Dan Adam". Al Jazeera reported that, according to local media, Hassan's lawyers had filed a complaint against her alleging forgery of official documents and bigamy. The Nile Post reported that her representatives denied the claims. The EFA did not name the specific incidents behind its decision.
Hassan's work on the pitch also came under scrutiny. In September, Egypt drew 0-0 at home with Angola in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Hassan took off Mohamed Salah in the 60th minute, and Salah then left the national team camp. The EFA said he avoids playing on artificial pitches and would miss the qualifier against South Sudan that month. Egypt won that game 5-0. Former Egypt attacker Mido said in September that the situation had "gone out of control".
Hassan's biggest storm came at the 2026 World Cup. Egypt led Argentina 2-0 in the round of 16 but lost 3-2, the Nile Post reported. Enzo Fernandez scored the winner in stoppage time. Hassan then accused the officials of bias. "The referee is unfair. He is wasting the effort of an entire nation. The cup is directed towards Argentina," he said. FIFA handed him a three-match ban. His twin brother Ibrahim, the team director, received the same ban, and Mostafa Zico was suspended for five matches.
Hassan took charge in March 2024, succeeding Rui Vitória. He led Egypt to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished fourth. The run to the World Cup last 16 was the country's best ever performance at the tournament. According to the Nile Post, it earned him a contract extension to 2030 in September. He leaves after 38 matches, with 21 wins, 10 draws and seven defeats.
As a player, Hassan is Egypt's all-time top scorer, with 69 goals in 176 appearances. He won three Africa Cup of Nations titles. His successor, Ali Maher, will lead Egypt in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi on November 13 and 17.