Mohamed Abdelmonem leaves Egypt camp amid reported dispute with coaching staff

Mohamed Abdelmonem has left Egypt’s training camp and returned to French club Nice after not playing in the 5-0 win over South Sudan in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nice confirmed the defender’s departure in an official statement, saying it had been agreed with Egypt’s coaching staff. The club also thanked the national team for its co-operation.

However, FilGoal.com reports that Egypt’s coaching staff were unhappy with Abdelmonem and agreed to release him after the player’s decision over the South Sudan fixture.

The report says head coach Hossam Hassan and assistant coach Ibrahim Hassan were unhappy with the Nice player’s position during the current camp, which also includes a match against South Africa.

Nice had contacted Egypt’s team doctor and administrative staff to request that Abdelmonem did not play against South Sudan because the match was being played on an artificial pitch.

The coaching staff, led by the Hassan twins, nevertheless wanted Abdelmonem to remain with the squad and travel with the team, even if he was not selected to play. They wanted him available in case he was needed.

Abdelmonem refused to travel to South Sudan and insisted on remaining in Egypt. As a result, the coaching staff did not insist on keeping him for the friendly against South Africa, which is scheduled for Sunday.

When Nice subsequently asked for the player to return to France, Egypt agreed to the request.

FilGoal.com also reports that one of the reasons for the coaching staff’s anger was Abdelmonem’s involvement in Egypt’s World Cup camp before he had regained full technical readiness following an injury. Hossam Hassan had nevertheless chosen to include him because of his ability.

The report says the situation changed once Abdelmonem was considered ready to play: he then declined to take part against South Sudan, while Nice requested his return before the South Africa match.

Egypt began their qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola. They then defeated South Sudan 5-0 in the second round.

The team will face South Africa in a friendly on 4 October, in their final match of the current international break.

Abdelmonem did not play in Egypt’s opening qualifying match against Angola.