Egypt FA says Mohamed Salah had no role in Hossam Hassan’s dismissal

The Egyptian Football Association’s board made the decision to remove Hossam Hassan as national team manager, according to board member Mostafa Abu Zahra, who denied that captain Mohamed Salah had any involvement.

Hassan was dismissed on Saturday, only about two months after his contract had been extended until 2030. During his tenure, Egypt reached the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.

Speaking on the El Hekaya programme on MBC Masr, Abu Zahra said the decision was taken solely by the association’s board.

“Players do not have the authority to intervene in the decisions or responsibilities of the board,” he said, adding that the Egyptian Football Association had established principles and traditions that could not be bypassed.

Abu Zahra described Salah as an exceptional captain and one of the most important players in Egyptian football history. He also rejected claims that the Liverpool forward had attempted to influence technical or administrative decisions within the national team.

Salah’s relationship with Hassan

Abu Zahra said there had been no dispute involving Salah and praised the player’s conduct towards Hassan and the former coaching staff.

He said Salah had treated Hassan respectfully and had repeatedly expressed his support for him.

“Salah used to tell him: ‘I am at your disposal,’” Abu Zahra said.

He also dismissed reports that the coaching staff had refused to travel to Turkey with Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abou Rida for a meeting with Salah, supposedly aimed at settling tensions following a previous training-camp dispute.

Abu Zahra described that account as inaccurate. He said Abou Rida had gone to Turkey after receiving an official invitation from his Turkish counterpart, while attending a match involving Salah was a natural decision given the player’s status and importance to the national team.

Ali Maher takes charge

The Egyptian Football Association appointed Ali Maher as Hassan’s successor. Maher is the manager of Ceramica Cleopatra and a former Egypt, Al Ahly and Tersana striker.

His first task will be to announce Egypt’s squad for the next international break.

Egypt are preparing to face Malawi twice in the qualifying competition for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The first fixture is scheduled for 13 November 2026, when Egypt will play Malawi, with the return match taking place on 17 November 2026, when Malawi face Egypt.