Former Egypt FA president Youssef El-Dahshoury Harb passes on

Former Egyptian Football Association president Major General Youssef El-Dahshoury Harb has passed away after a long and distinguished career dedicated to the development of the sport in Egypt.

Harb leaves behind a remarkable legacy that spanned several decades, during which he served Egyptian football both on and off the pitch.

His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from football officials, clubs and members of the sporting community who recognized his immense contribution to the game.

Following his passing on Friday, the current Egypt FA boss Hany Abu Rida has expressed deep sorrow for his outstanding contribution to their football.

Throughout his career, Harb played a crucial role in advancing Egyptian football and strengthening the structures of the national game. His leadership and vision helped guide the sport through significant periods of growth, earning him widespread respect across the football landscape.

One of the most notable aspects of his administrative career was his unprecedented tenure as president of the Egyptian Football Association. Harb remains the individual who served the most terms as EFA president, a record that underscores the confidence successive football administrations and stakeholders placed in his leadership.

His first spell at the helm of Egyptian football began on October 4, 1992, when he was appointed president of the association. He remained in office until October 1993 before securing election for a second term, which lasted until June 1996.

After a brief absence from the role, Harb returned for a third term by appointment on August 3, 1999, serving until August 2, 2000. His final tenure came through election on October 27, 2000, and continued until March 2004, completing a historic period of service that cemented his place among the most influential administrators in Egyptian football history.

Across those years, Harb oversaw numerous developments within the game and contributed to the growth of football infrastructure, governance and competition in Egypt. His dedication earned him recognition as one of the sport’s enduring figures, with many of his achievements continuing to be remembered long after his departure from office.

The news of his passing also prompted a response from Egyptian football giants Al Ahly SC. Club president Mahmoud El Khatib, alongside members of the board of directors and executive management, issued a statement expressing profound sadness over Harb’s death.

Al Ahly extended its condolences to the family of the former football administrator and prayed for mercy upon his soul, describing his passing as a significant loss to Egyptian sport. The club also acknowledged his contributions to football and the lasting impact he had on the game throughout his lifetime.

Beyond his administrative accomplishments, Harb is remembered as a respected football figure whose influence stretched across different generations. Having represented both Tersana and the Egyptian national team as a player before rising to the highest levels of football administration, he embodied a lifelong commitment to the sport.

His death marks the end of an era for Egyptian football, but his legacy remains firmly embedded in the history of the game. From his years on the field to his record-setting leadership of the Egyptian Football Association, Youssef El-Dahshoury Harb’s contributions helped shape Egyptian football into what it is today.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, he will be remembered as a dedicated servant of the game, a respected leader and one of the architects of modern Egyptian football. May he rest in peace.