After a decisive week of speculation.. The Egyptian Football Association officially announces the dismissal of Hossam Hassan

Behind the scenes of a dramatic night that shook Egyptian sports

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After a decisive week of speculation.. The Egyptian Football Association officially announces the dismissal of Hossam Hassan

The Egyptian Football Association EFA has officially announced the dismissal of Hossam Hassan as head coach of the national team on Saturday 7 November 2026 bringing an abrupt end to his tenure following weeks of mounting controversy.

In a statement issued after a lengthy board meeting, the federation confirmed that it had decided to terminate the services of the 60 year old coach and his entire technical and administrative staff.

The EFA also announced that Ali Maher, the coach of Egyptian Premier League side Ceramica Cleopatra, would take charge of the Pharaohs during the next phase.

The decision comes just two months after Hassan signed a contract extension until 2030having guided Egypt to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

It also arrives less than a week before the national team's scheduled return to training ahead of crucial qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

OFFICIAL: Egyptian FA confirms Hossam Hassan's departure

The Egyptian Football Association confirmed the decision in an official statement on Saturday evening, following widespread speculation about the coach's future.

The federation explained that its board had reviewed recent developments and their impact on the national team's stability and public image.

It subsequently decided to end Hassan's contract, alongside those of his technical and administrative staff, in accordance with the relevant contractual provisions.

The EFA acknowledged the former striker's contributions during his tenure and wished him success in his future career.

Crucially, the statement emphasised that preserving the national team's stability remained the federation's overriding priority.

The announcement marked a significant change from an earlier statement issued on Saturday morning, in which the EFA had appealed for calm and unity without explicitly confirming whether Hassan would remain in charge.

By the evening, the uncertainty had ended.

Ali Maher officially appointed as Egypt's new coach

The EFA simultaneously confirmed the appointment of Ali Maher, ending speculation about who would succeed Hassan.

The federation tasked Maher with assuming responsibility for the senior national team and submitting his proposed structure for the new technical staff.

The 52 year old coach had been working with Ceramica Cleopatra, having taken charge of the Egyptian Premier League club in February 2025.

His managerial career also includes spells with Al Masry, Modern Sport, Smouha and ENPPI.

One of his notable achievements came with Future FC, now known as Modern Sport whom he guided to the inaugural Egyptian League Cup title in the 2021 /22 season.

However, managing Egypt represents a different level of responsibility.

Maher must prepare the seven time African champions for their upcoming competitive matches while attempting to restore stability following the controversies surrounding his predecessor.

The federation has not yet announced the complete composition of his coaching staff.

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Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.