Anwar Salama, former coach of Al Ahly and the Egyptian national team, has offered insights into the ongoing crisis within the Egyptian Football Federation, attributing its origins to the tenure of former president Hany Abou-Rida.
In an interview with “Al-Masry Al-Youm,” Salama remarked, “The Egyptian Football Federation has been plagued by a lack of technical and administrative regulations, with Hany Abou-Rida being the first to establish this system.
He bears a significant responsibility for the failures and setbacks experienced by Egyptian football.
There were individuals who excelled in the federation, such as Harby El-Desouky, who was exemplary, as well as Mohamed Hassan Helmy and Samir Zaher.
Currently, there is a lack of qualified personnel.”
Salama went on to highlight the decline in Egyptian football’s performance, stating, “We can assess the state of Egyptian football by comparing results before and after 2010.
The Egyptian league, once the best in Africa and the Arab world, has significantly regressed.
Assigning Hossam El-Badry to the senior team and Shawky Gharib to the Olympic team is not appropriate.
There should be a committee tasked with compiling a list of candidates based on scientific criteria.”
Salama’s remarks shed light on the deep-rooted issues facing Egyptian football, including governance challenges and the need for a systematic approach to talent development and team management.
As stakeholders seek solutions to revitalize Egyptian football and restore its former glory, Salama’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of effective leadership and strategic planning in navigating the sport’s future trajectory.
