Egyptian Football Association leaves Hossam Hassan’s future unclear in surprise statement

The Egyptian Football Association has called for calm and unity amid growing speculation that Hossam Hassan could leave his position as manager of Egypt, but stopped short of confirming whether he will remain in charge beyond the team’s next two matches.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the association said the interests and stability of the senior national team were its highest priority, describing Egypt as a representative of the country’s football and the ambitions of its supporters.

It added: “In light of the events that have recently been raised, the current period requires a great deal of responsibility, calm and unity, away from any escalation or emotional reactions that could affect the national team’s focus and preparations for its upcoming commitments.”

The statement concluded with an appeal for continued backing from supporters and the media.

“The association calls on all media outlets and the Egyptian fans to support the national team and rally around it in a way that fulfils the aspirations of Egyptian football supporters,” it said.

Several media reports had claimed that the Egyptian Football Association was considering dismissing Hassan, despite his success in guiding Egypt to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Those reports had raised questions over the future of the coaching staff.

The statement had been expected to provide a definitive response to the speculation. Instead, it did not mention Hassan by name and contained no explicit declaration of renewed confidence in him or a commitment to his continued employment.

Its wording suggests Hassan is expected to remain in charge for the next training camp ahead of Egypt’s two matches against Malawi. However, it did not confirm that the association intends to retain him until the end of his contract, which runs until 2030.

That omission leaves uncertainty over the manager’s position and is likely to fuel further questions about the stance of the association’s board.

Egypt are preparing to face Malawi in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The national team camp is scheduled to begin on 9 November at the National Teams Centre.

The first match will be played at Cairo International Stadium on 13 November, before the sides meet again on 17 November at Bingu International Stadium in Malawi.

Egypt are in Group B alongside Angola, South Sudan and Malawi. They lead the standings with four points, ahead of second-placed Angola on goal difference. Malawi are third with three points, while South Sudan are bottom without a point.

Egypt began their qualifying campaign with a goalless home draw against Angola before recording their first win by beating South Sudan 5-0 away from home.