Bassem Ali explains sudden exit from Egypt coaching staff after 24 hours

Bassem Ali says he was removed from Egypt’s coaching staff shortly before the team’s first training session because he did not hold the CAF A Licence required for the role.

Ali had announced his departure just 24 hours after being appointed to Ali Maher’s backroom team, despite attending meetings between the new coaching staff and the Egyptian Football Association.

Speaking to MBC Masr, Ali said he had spent much of the previous day at the association’s headquarters before being told he could no longer join the training camp.

“I was present at all the meetings between the coaching staff and the Football Association,” he said.

“Yesterday, I was at the association from 15:00 until 21:00 after the squad had been announced. I then went home to prepare for joining the camp, and everything appeared to be moving in the right direction.

“But an hour before training, I was informed that I could not be there because I needed to obtain the A Licence in line with CAF’s requirements. I have the C and D Licences, and I believe obtaining the A Licence would take approximately a year.”

Ali also said the Egypt squad had been selected entirely by Maher.

“The national team squad was chosen completely by Ali Maher,” he added.

Maher took charge of Egypt after replacing Hossam Hassan and will lead the side in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Malawi on Friday.

Ali said he hoped Maher would enjoy a successful start, describing the new Egypt manager as an older brother as well as his former coach.

“I wish Ali Maher all the best with Egypt, and that is what concerns me at the moment,” he said.

“To me, he is like an older brother before being my coach. I did not want what happened to happen, because being part of Egypt’s coaching staff is a great honour. But I wish him success and hope his journey begins well.”

Ali said the timing of the decision had made the situation particularly difficult because he had already prepared for the camp and travelled there.

“What makes me sad is that I had prepared everything and had already gone to the camp,” he said. “I should have been told about the licence before I arrived. If I had known beforehand, I would not have felt so upset, but at the moment it feels like a shock.”

Despite his disappointment, Ali praised the Football Association’s treatment of the new coaching team and said the players had responded positively.

“The Football Association officials dealt with the new coaching staff extremely well,” he said. “Even the players seem happy, and the atmosphere is excellent.”