Egypt sack Hossam Hassan as Ali Maher takes charge of the Pharaohs
The Egyptian Football Association has officially ended Hossam Hassan's tenure as national team coach. Hassan, 60, leaves with his entire technical and administrative staff, amid several controversies over his private life. To succeed him, the body has appointed Ali Maher, currently coach of Ceramica Cleopatra.
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Controversies hasten Hossam Hassan's exit
The decision was taken on Saturday after a meeting of the Federation's board of directors. In its statement, the body cited events of recent months and their negative impact on the national team's image and stability. It nonetheless praised Hossam Hassan's work and commitment during his tenure, wishing him every success in the rest of his career.
Since the squad's return from the 2026 World Cup, the coach had been at the centre of numerous controversies stemming from disputes with his two former wives. The affairs, widely covered in the media and on social media, gradually spilled into the public domain. The situation worsened after the Supreme Council for Media Regulation barred him from public appearances for privacy breaches.
In the job since February 2024, the former Egypt international, the Pharaohs' all-time top scorer, leaves a mixed record. Under his leadership, Egypt finished fourth at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before reaching the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
Ali Maher faces early tests
To succeed him, the Federation has chosen Ali Maher, who had been in charge of Ceramica Cleopatra. The new coach takes over the senior national team with immediate effect and will have to present, among other things, his vision for the make-up of the next technical staff.
His first assignment will be to prepare for the double-header against Malawi, scheduled for 13 and 17 November, on the third and fourth matchdays of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Pharaohs go into both games in a strong position. They top Group B with four points, after a win over South Sudan and a draw with Angola on the first two matchdays.
With the squad due to assemble in a few days, Ali Maher will therefore need to settle in quickly to keep Egypt on track in the race to qualify.