Egypt FA vice-president Khaled El-Dirndly warns of ‘decisive meeting’ with Hossam Hassan

There are currently no plans to dismiss Egypt manager Hossam Hassan, but the Egyptian Football Association will hold a “decisive” meeting with the coaching staff after an internal dispute during the national team’s trip to face South Sudan.

Khaled El-Dirndly, the association’s vice-president and head of the delegation, said the tensions emerged during Egypt’s 5-0 victory over South Sudan in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“There was no direct breach by Egypt’s coaching staff, but there was an administrative and organisational mistake,” El-Dirndly told ON Sport.

“The coaching staff and players arrived at the airport late. According to protocol, they should have greeted me as the head of the delegation before travelling.”

He said he received an implied message from Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan directed at the football association, adding that the two sides spent the entire flight separately.

“Leading the delegation represents Egypt, so I avoided creating any problems at that time and handled the situation very calmly,” El-Dirndly said.

“Once we arrived, I arranged all the organisational matters. Even in the dining area, I separated the room for the players and coaching staff from the one assigned to the football association and guests. I did not speak to the coaching staff after the South Sudan match.”

El-Dirndly said his dealings with the players had remained normal and denied any involvement by Mohamed Salah in the dispute.

“I fully understand the duties and responsibilities of the head of the delegation. My relationship with the players was normal, and the greetings between us continued,” he said.

“I also confirm that there was no communication whatsoever between Mohamed Salah and Hany Abou Rida, the association president, or me regarding this matter.”

No immediate plans for coaching change

Asked about the future of the coaching staff, El-Dirndly said: “There is currently no discussion about the departure of the coaching staff, but there will certainly be a decisive review because of this incident.”

“There were some unusual matters during the delegation’s trip, and they must be corrected in the coming period. Statements from the coaching staff are often overlooked and allowed to pass, even though they are frequently inappropriate.”

El-Dirndly said he would meet Hany Abou Rida and the coaching staff to clarify the disagreements.

“We are not in conflict with anyone. All board members attended the national team’s training sessions,” he said.

“However, publishing news about the national team delegation’s departure and return without mentioning the name of the head of the delegation is completely unacceptable. We are creating unnecessary problems in this way.”

He also defended the association’s statement supporting goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, which reports said had angered Hossam Hassan after his criticism of the player.

“The Egyptian Football Association’s statement in support of El-Shenawy was normal and was approved by every member of the board without exception,” he said.

Egypt will face South Africa at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday in their final friendly of the current international break.