Egypt manager Hossam Hassan banned from media appearances by regulator

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has been barred from appearing on all media platforms by Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation.

The decision was announced as part of a series of measures over alleged breaches of rules protecting and respecting citizens’ private lives. The council did not state when Hassan would be allowed to return to the media.

Under the ruling, Hassan, the head coach of the Egypt national team, is prohibited from appearing on any media outlet covered by Egypt’s press and media regulation law. The ban takes effect immediately from the date the decision was issued.

The council also ordered the legal representatives of several websites to attend hearings after those outlets were found to have breached regulations concerning the protection and respect of private life.

It warned that stronger legal action would be taken if the rules safeguarding citizens’ privacy were violated, or if reports relating to the incidents referred to in its statement were broadcast or circulated again.

The council further confirmed that an existing decision preventing Hassan’s former wife from appearing in the media would remain in force.

The measures follow reports circulating about alleged disputes between Hassan and his former wife. The council did not disclose further details about the reports or specify the duration of either media restriction.

Egypt are preparing to face Malawi twice during the next international break in qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Hassan will not be present on the touchline for either match because of a suspension imposed on him by world governing body FIFA.