Hossam Hassan’s son criticises Egypt dismissal with ‘betrayal’ message

Omar Hossam Hassan has questioned the way his father’s time as Egypt manager ended, posting a message shortly after the Egyptian Football Association dismissed the former national team head coach.

The post, shared on his Instagram story, said: “History will one day tell of a leader whom no-one could defeat on the battlefield, so they brought him down through betrayal.”

It came days after the Egyptian Football Association ended the appointments of Hossam Hassan and his coaching and administrative staff. The former Egypt striker had been in charge since February 2024.

During his tenure, Egypt reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and achieved what was described as a historic result at the 2026 World Cup by reaching the last 16 for the first time in the Pharaohs’ history.

The federation announced on Saturday that it had decided to thank Hossam Hassan and his staff for their work. The decision followed a meeting of the board, during which it reviewed events and circumstances surrounding the national team in recent months.

The Egyptian Football Association said the consequences of those events had, in its view, negatively affected the national team’s positive image and its stability.

The federation has appointed Ali Maher, the former manager of Ceramica Cleopatra, as Egypt’s new head coach.

Maher will lead the team into its upcoming commitments, including Egypt’s two matches against Malawi on 13 and 17 November in the qualifying competition for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The change in management brings an end to Hossam Hassan’s spell in charge after a period that included a run to the last four of the continental tournament and Egypt’s first appearance in the last 16 of a World Cup.