Egypt set to part ways with Hossam Hassan amid growing controversy ahead of Malawi qualifiers

The future of Hossam Hassan as head coach of Egypt remains uncertain as the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) faces growing pressure ahead of the national team’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Malawi.

The Pharaohs are scheduled to face Malawi on November 13 and 17 in the third and fourth rounds of the qualifiers, but questions remain over whether Hassan and his brother, Ibrahim, will continue in their respective roles with the national team.

The uncertainty follows a decision by Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation on November 4 to ban Hassan from appearing on media platforms covered by the country’s Press and Media Regulation Law No. 180 of 2018.

The development has intensified speculation about his position, particularly with preparations for the November international window approaching.

Hassan’s situation has also been complicated by reported disciplinary action from FIFA, with the organisation’s Disciplinary Committee said to have handed the coach and his assistant, Ibrahim, three-match suspensions each following incidents and comments after Egypt’s elimination by Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Amid the growing uncertainty, Ibrahim Hassan has publicly defended his brother, expressing frustration over what he described as persistent attacks against their work with the national team.

In a series of social media posts, the Egypt team manager questioned the criticism directed at the coaching duo despite their efforts to restore pride in the national team and strengthen the relationship between the Pharaohs and their supporters.

“Remember Hossam Hassan, the loyal and loving man of his country, who would sacrifice himself to make his country happy. Who among us is without mistakes or trials in his life?” Ibrahim wrote.

He also suggested that criticism of the technical team tends to intensify whenever the national team prepares for an international assignment, accusing some media personalities of creating divisions and undermining their achievements.

However, his most striking revelation concerned his brother’s health.

Ibrahim disclosed that Hossam had experienced serious heart complications during his time in charge of Egypt, including medical emergencies during training camps, matches and qualifying campaigns.

According to Ibrahim, the former striker underwent a complicated heart operation before subsequently having stents inserted. He claimed doctors had feared for his brother’s life during one of the procedures.

He also recalled an incident following the operation when Hossam struggled to walk and stand but insisted on remaining on the touchline for a match against Brazil.

Ibrahim said only former Egypt team doctor Mohamed Abu El-Ela and medical personnel at the hospital were fully aware of the seriousness of his brother’s condition.

Despite the criticism and uncertainty surrounding their positions, Ibrahim insisted that neither he nor his brother would abandon their commitment to Egyptian football.

EFA calls for calm

The growing controversy has prompted the Egyptian Football Association to issue a statement, although it stopped short of confirming whether the two brothers would retain their positions.

The federation insisted that maintaining stability within the senior national team remained its priority as preparations continue for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.

“The interest and stability of the first national team is its top priority, as it represents Egyptian football and the aspirations of its fans,” the EFA said.

It also appealed to the Egyptian media and supporters to avoid escalating tensions, calling for responsibility, calm and solidarity behind the national team.

The statement, however, did not directly address the future of Hossam and Ibrahim, leaving their positions unresolved.

Reports have also suggested that some senior players and former Egypt internationals have become unhappy with the distractions surrounding the coaching team.

Private life adds to pressure

The controversy surrounding Hassan has extended beyond football, with his private life becoming a subject of public discussion in recent months.

Reports indicate that his first marriage ended in August, followed by the breakdown of his second marriage a few months later.

After the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, the former Egypt striker reportedly married another woman, although disagreements involving his former partners continued to attract attention.

The disputes spilled into the public domain through exchanges on social media, television and radio, reportedly prompting the EFA to caution the coach against discussing his private affairs publicly.

The situation intensified following reports that private photographs involving his wives had been passed to a politician before being leaked, triggering wider debate about privacy, public conduct and the treatment of women in Egypt.

Several former Egyptian football figures have also reportedly criticised some of Hassan’s comments and media appearances, adding to the pressure on the national team coach.

Hassan’s record with Egypt

Hassan, 59, was appointed Egypt coach in February 2024, succeeding Portuguese manager Rui Vitória.

One of the country’s most celebrated football figures, he enjoyed an illustrious playing career, scoring 68 goals in 176 appearances for the Pharaohs.

He was also part of three Africa Cup of Nations-winning teams in 1986, 1998 and 2006.

His reputation as a former national team captain and prolific striker raised expectations when he took charge of the Pharaohs, but his tenure has increasingly been overshadowed by controversies away from the pitch.

With Egypt’s two AFCON qualifiers against Malawi approaching, the EFA now faces an important decision over the future of its coaching team.

For now, the federation has maintained its position on the importance of stability, but its failure to offer a clear response on Hassan’s future has left the situation unresolved.