The Egyptian Football Association has dismissed national team head coach Hossam Hassan and appointed Ceramica Cleopatra manager Ali Maher as his successor.
The change was announced on Saturday, November 7, with the federation saying Hassan’s continued presence had created “a negative impact on the positive image of the team”.
The Egyptian Football Association also said “maintaining the team’s stability is a paramount priority” and that this could not be compromised.
Maher takes charge immediately, with Egypt preparing for two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi. The Pharaohs will face Malawi on Friday, November 13, and again on Tuesday, November 17, with Egypt currently top of Group B.
The federation did not specify which incidents led to Hassan’s dismissal. His departure comes after Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation banned him last week from appearing on any media outlet in the country following public disputes concerning his personal life.
Reports in the Egyptian media said the board’s decision was mainly linked to those off-field matters, rather than reported disagreements between Hassan and senior members of the squad, including captain Mohamed Salah.
Hassan’s two-year spell
Hassan, Egypt’s all-time leading scorer, took over the national team in February 2024 after the Pharaohs were eliminated by the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He replaced Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria.
As a player, Hassan won three Africa Cup of Nations titles with Egypt.
In January 2026, he led the seven-time continental champions to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt reached that stage after eliminating defending champions Ivory Coast, before being knocked out by Senegal.
At this year’s FIFA World Cup, Hassan guided Egypt into the last 16. Their campaign ended with a defeat by Argentina in July, prompting the Egyptian Football Association to file a refereeing complaint.
His removal brings an end to a two-year tenure in charge of the national side. Maher now faces the immediate task of preparing the squad for next week’s qualifying fixtures against Malawi.
Maher arrives from Ceramica Cleopatra, who are currently fourth in the Egyptian Premier League. His appointment gives him little time to establish his plans before Egypt’s two meetings with Malawi, although the team begins the qualification schedule at the top of Group B.
