Egypt’s Media Regulator bars Hossam Hassan from television and other media

Egypt national team head coach Hossam Hassan has been banned from appearing on Egyptian media outlets following a decision by the country’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation.

The restriction, announced on Wednesday, takes immediate effect and applies to all media organisations operating under Egypt’s Press and Media Regulation Law No. 180 of 2018.

The council said the decision was aimed at protecting personal privacy and preventing private family disputes from becoming subjects of public accusations and confrontations.

Council cites privacy violations

In an official statement, the regulator, headed by Khaled Abdel-Aziz, said the measures were intended to ensure compliance with professional and ethical media standards.

However, it did not indicate how long the ban on Hassan’s media appearances would remain in force.

The decision forms part of a wider set of measures addressing media coverage of private family disputes. The council has also summoned legal representatives of several news websites for hearings over alleged violations of its privacy regulations.

Media organisations have been warned that repeated breaches, including broadcasting or publishing material relating to the disputes, could lead to further legal action.

Restrictions also maintained against Dan Adam

The regulator has maintained its earlier decision barring Dan Adam, who has been involved in a public family dispute concerning Hassan, from appearing across Egyptian media.

The council had already intervened in September over coverage of the coach’s family affairs, summoning representatives of several television channels and online platforms.

It also contacted the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), asking the governing body to consider the matter within its jurisdiction.

In its latest statement, the council stressed the importance of allowing Egypt’s national team coaching staff to focus on their sporting responsibilities without distractions arising from personal disputes.

The restrictions apply only to Hassan’s media appearances and do not amount to his dismissal or suspension as Egypt head coach.

Hassan’s record with Egypt

Hassan, 60, has been in charge of Egypt since February 2024, when he replaced Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria.

He guided the Pharaohs to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the round of 16 before suffering a 3-2 defeat against Argentina.

In September, the EFA extended his contract until 2030, reaffirming its confidence in his leadership of the national team.

The council has yet to announce when the restrictions on his media appearances will be reviewed.