A storm of criticism has erupted in Morocco after Ibrahim Hassan, director of the Egypt national team, attacked the organization of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and belittled the team’s hotel in Tangier.
Hassan described the delegation’s accommodation as a mere “pension,” implying it was far below the level expected for a major tournament.
Egypt exited the competition in the semi finals after a 1 0 defeat to Senegal and are now preparing to face Nigeria in the third place playoff at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. While Hassan’s remarks painted a bleak picture of conditions in Tangier, the Egyptian Football Association took a very different line in an official message to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
In its letter, the EFA congratulated Morocco on the “outstanding success” of the tournament, praising the country’s modern infrastructure, high quality logistics and warm hospitality throughout the competition. The federation stressed that Morocco’s efforts reflected major progress in hosting major sporting events and highlighted the strong ties between the two nations.
On social media, Moroccan fans and some Egyptians living in Tangier responded by sharing videos of the actual team hotel, revealing a five star property with a panoramic sea view and prime location, which only intensified the backlash against Hassan’s comments.
