Accusations Against Salah: Ex-Egypt Coach Hossam El-Badry Sets the Record Straight

Hossam El-Badry, the Egyptian national team's former coach, has spoken out in response to persistent allegations that Mohamed Salah tampered in player selection while in command of the team. In a recent interview, El-Badry stated that while Salah never attempted to influence his picks, he did join in discussions to voice his thoughts on players' emotional problems.

For instance, Salah once asked that Mahmoud Hassan, also known as "Trezeguet," not be taken off the field during tough times at his club, and El-Badry agreed to this request.

The coach also talked about the debate over making Salah the team captain instead of experienced player Ahmed Fathi.El-Badry made it clear that the choice was his own, intended to recognize Salah's reputation as a top football player worldwide. He had planned to slowly introduce this decision but said that a premature media leak caused unnecessary tension.

El-Badry denied rumors that the captaincy decision had anything to do with Fathi's exclusion, stating that it was solely a technical decision because of an injury.