Crisis Looms Between President of the Egyptian Football Association and Egypt’s National Team Coach

A big conflict appears to be coming between Hany Abo Rida, President of the Egyptian Football Association, and member of both the FIFA and CAF Executive Committees - and Hossam Hassan, the coach of Egypt's national soccer team. Even though they promised to fix their issues, their relationship is still tense, and things are getting worse, which could cause problems for the team.

Hossam Hassan became the coach in March after the previous Portuguese coach, Rui Vitoria, was let go. He helped Egypt qualify for the 2025 AFCON. But his relationship with Abo Rida has gotten worse. Hassan, another person, says Abo Rida is not giving him a fair chance and is instead choosing foreign or other Egyptian coaches, like Shawky Gharib.

Things got even more heated when Hassan publicly complained about the old team members coming back, which led to Egypt leaving the last AFCON early. Abu Rida's group got very upset, and people close to him said he was not happy with Hassan's comments. Even though the Sports Minister, Ashraf Sobhy, tried to help, the conflict continues.

Abo Rida, who is convinced of the abilities of former coach Carlos Queiroz, might look to replace Hassan in the future, particularly if Egypt struggles in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With key matches against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone on the horizon, the outcome of these fixtures could determine Hassan’s future with the Pharaohs.