The salary discrepancies between foreign and local coaches for the Egyptian national football team have come under scrutiny following the revelation of significant wage gaps over the past 14 years.
Former coach Roy Hodgson’s substantial earnings have brought attention to the disparity in salaries between Egyptian and foreign coaches.
Vitoria was receiving a monthly salary of $200,000, making him the second-highest-paid coach during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, behind Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi, who earned €208,000.
However, Egypt’s disappointing performance in the tournament, culminating in elimination in the round of 16, led to Hodgson’s departure from his position.
This outcome prompted the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to reconsider its approach to coaching appointments, given the financial strain caused by high foreign coach salaries.
In response, the EFA turned to national talent, appointing Hossam Hassan as the new head coach, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable financial management in coaching contracts.
Hassan’s appointment signals a departure from the trend of hiring expensive foreign coaches and a return to investing in domestic coaching expertise.
It has been revealed that Hossam Hassan will earn a monthly salary of one million Egyptian pounds, while his coaching staff will receive 800,000 Egyptian pounds, signaling a significant reduction in coaching expenses compared to previous foreign appointments.
A retrospective analysis of the salaries of Egyptian national team coaches over the past 14 years reveals a stark contrast in compensation:
Following Egypt’s triumph in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, Hassan Shehata’s contract was renewed until 2014, with the coach earning 250,000 Egyptian pounds monthly before his dismissal in 2011 after failing to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Subsequently, Shawky Gharib assumed the coaching role in 2013 following the departure of American coach Bob Bradley, earning 250,000 Egyptian pounds monthly.
Hossam El Badry, appointed in 2019, received a monthly salary of 800,000 Egyptian pounds during his tenure as head coach.
During his brief stint as head coach in 2022, Ehab Galal earned 725,000 Egyptian pounds monthly.
The Egyptian Football Association is set to hold a press conference next Wednesday to announce the coaching staff for the national team under Hossam Hassan’s leadership, marking a new chapter in Egyptian football management and coaching strategy.
