Egypt dismisses Hossam Hassan amid controversy over his private life

Egypt has dismissed national football coach Hossam Hassan and his coaching staff following controversies involving his marital life, bringing his tenure to an end despite the team's record World Cup performance. The Egyptian Football Association announced the decision on Saturday and appointed Ceramica Cleopatra coach Ali Maher as his replacement.

The association said it had examined recent developments and their “negative impact on the positive image and stability” of the national side. In explaining its decision to remove Hassan and his staff, the EFA added that “maintaining stability of the team is top priority”.

The dismissal followed a separate decision three days earlier by Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation to bar Hassan from appearing on media platforms. That restriction concerned a case involving his private life and former wife. According to local media reports, lawyers acting for Hassan filed a complaint against his ex-wife, Dina Mostafa, publicly known as “Dan Adam”, alleging forgery of official documents and bigamy. Her representatives denied the allegations.

Hassan had also faced scrutiny over events on the pitch. During September's Nations Cup qualifier at home against Angola, which ended without a goal, he took Mohamed Salah off in the 60th minute. The substitution of Egypt's talisman became a focus of attention after the draw.

Salah, a forward for Trabzonspor, subsequently left the national team camp. The EFA said he avoids artificial pitches and would consequently miss the qualifier against South Sudan later that month. Egypt went on to win that match 5-0.

Questions about Hassan's position had already emerged amid a series of disputes following Egypt's appearance in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, its best result at the tournament. FIFA handed him a three-match suspension after he criticised the referee following the knockout defeat to Argentina. In September, former Egypt attacker Mido described the situation as having “gone out of control” and urged officials to intervene.

Hassan, a former striker who became coach in March 2024, also guided Egypt to the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, with the team ultimately finishing fourth. His spell in charge covered 38 matches and produced 21 victories, 10 draws and seven defeats.

Maher, 52, takes over with two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approaching. Egypt is scheduled to face Malawi on November 13 and November 17.