Hany Abu Rida explains source of Hossam Hassan tension and why Egypt FA set up panel on new contract

Hany Abu Rida says early tension with Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan stemmed from the former striker’s frustration at not having worked with him sooner, as the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) president confirmed he had already decided to renew Hassan’s contract before the World Cup match against Argentina.

Speaking to Al-Nahar TV, Abu Rida revealed that Hassan had been angry with him at the start of their working relationship but later disclosed the reason.

“Hossam Hassan was angry with me at the beginning of my work, and I did not know the reason,” Abu Rida said. “After we worked together he told me the real reason: ‘I was upset because I had wanted to work with you for a long time.’”

Abu Rida stated that he believes the national team boss has evolved significantly in his role with Egypt.

“I managed to bring out a new version of Hossam Hassan,” he said. “He has become calmer, more understanding, he listens and discusses. Hossam Hassan is not a dictator, he is a good listener.”

Contract decision and new committee

Abu Rida confirmed that a decision to extend Hassan’s contract had been made even before Egypt faced Argentina, but that confidential clauses still need to be agreed.

“I took the decision to renew Hossam Hassan’s contract before the Argentina match,” he explained. “But every contract has confidential clauses, and we will meet with him to agree on them.”

He added that the EFA has already moved formally to manage the renewal process, saying the association had issued a statement announcing the formation of a committee tasked with handling the extension of Hassan’s deal.

Discussing Hassan’s personality and public image, Abu Rida rejected the notion that the coach is driven only by passion and emotion.

“If Hossam Hassan was just about enthusiasm, I would have brought in a singer,” he said. “Everything in Hossam Hassan’s responses before press conferences was prepared. There was trust between us and calm in the camp.”

Comparing 2018 and 2026 World Cup preparations

Abu Rida drew a sharp contrast between Egypt’s preparations for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2026 tournament, stressing that a lack of experience and time had affected their previous campaign.

“We took part in the 2018 World Cup after an absence of 28 years, and therefore there was a big lack of experience,” he said.

“We did not have enough time to prepare the national team in the 2018 World Cup, unlike what was available to us in 2026, when we made all the arrangements six months before the World Cup. There was proper preparation before participating.”

Long-term strategy for Egyptian football

The EFA president outlined a broader technical and structural plan aimed at improving the development pathway for Egyptian players, saying it is being implemented in line with guidance from the country’s political leadership.

“There is a strategy we are working on according to the directives of the political leadership,” Abu Rida said. “We asked the Minister of Sports to establish training centres in all governorates of Egypt.”

He added that the federation has submitted a detailed proposal to the state.

“We presented our requests to the state to implement the project and provide the pitches. As for the technical side, we can implement it,” he said. “A player must play 70 matches at youth and junior levels before reaching the first division.”

Abu Rida also stressed that the EFA is closely monitoring Egyptian talent abroad.

“We are following all our Egyptian sons abroad so that they can be a big addition for us in the future,” he said.

Palestine flag gesture and relationship with Al Ahly

Abu Rida defended Hassan after the coach raised the Palestine flag during the World Cup, an action that has attracted the attention of world governing body FIFA.

“The raising of the Palestine flag by Hossam Hassan was spontaneous,” he said. “There are expected sanctions from FIFA.”

He also addressed his longstanding personal relationship with Mahmoud El Khatib, the Al Ahly president, insisting that friendship and football business remain separate.

“El Khatib is a friend of many years, we are friends and like brothers,” he said. “Football is one thing and the personal relationship is another.”

Abu Rida concluded by underlining that his position at FIFA is independent from his role in Egypt, while stressing that national interests remain paramount.

“My role in FIFA has nothing to do with my position in Egypt,” he said. “Egypt’s interests come first and last.”