FIFA investigates Egypt boss Hossam Hassan over Palestine comments and World Cup criticism

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Egypt manager Hossam Hassan after a report alleged that he made political and sporting comments before and after the Pharaohs’ World Cup last-16 match against Argentina.

The investigation also involves Egypt team director Ibrahim Hassan and player Mostafa Ziko, according to a source within the Egyptian Football Association.

The source told FilGoal.com that the report submitted to FIFA’s disciplinary committee outlined several alleged breaches by Hossam Hassan.

“During the press conference before the Argentina match, Hossam Hassan made statements of a non-sporting nature by expressing his support for Palestine and his desire for its liberation,” the source said.

According to the same report, Hassan also questioned the fairness of the tournament after Egypt’s defeat by Argentina.

The source said the Egypt manager claimed Argentina had been given preferential treatment in the race to qualify at the World Cup because it was a former world champion and had greater marketing value. He also reportedly said Egypt had been treated unfairly.

“The report also stated that Hossam Hassan said there was no justice in the tournament, that external factors had improperly influenced the match, and that the principles of fair play promoted by FIFA were absent from the game,” the source added.

FIFA’s proceedings follow a controversial last-16 encounter between Egypt and Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, during which the Egyptian team protested against a number of refereeing decisions.

Ziko criticised the referee after the match, saying the official had been unfair, wasted the efforts of the Egypt team and that the tournament was directed.

Hossam Hassan also became involved in a heated exchange with the referee during the game. He pointed towards the official while making a gesture understood as saying no to racism.

Egypt were eliminated from the World Cup after losing 3-2 to Argentina in the last 16.

The Egyptian Football Association has issued a statement in support of Hossam Hassan, Ibrahim Hassan and Ziko. It said the federation would defend their rights and protect the interests of Egyptian football.

The statement came as the three Egypt representatives face disciplinary action from FIFA over incidents and comments connected with the Argentina match.

The source did not disclose what sanctions FIFA might impose, or when the disciplinary process would be concluded. The details of the Football Association’s statement were made available separately by the federation.