Hani Abu Rida takes measured approach to Egypt national team crisis

Egyptian Football Association president Hani Abu Rida is seeking to ease tensions within the national team following the recent controversy involving Mohamed Salah and the coaching staff led by Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan.

According to former Egypt goalkeeper and media personality Ahmed Shobeir, Abu Rida is not rushing to take disciplinary action and is waiting for official reports before deciding how to address the situation.

Shobeir also dismissed reports that Ibrahim Hassan had already been referred for investigation.

Abu Rida awaits official reports

Shobeir said on his X account: “It has been said that Ibrahim Hassan has been referred for investigation, but this matter has no basis in truth.”

The former Al-Ahly and Egypt goalkeeper explained that Abu Rida is waiting for a report from Khaled El-Darandaly, alongside a report from the national team’s technical staff, before discussing the matter and determining the next steps.

According to Shobeir, the EFA president believes allowing time for the situation to settle could help reduce tensions before any decisions are made.

EFA president wants relationship repaired

Shobeir said Abu Rida wants the issues within the national team to be discussed in a calm atmosphere, with the aim of restoring discipline and rationality among the different parties.

The relationship between the Football Association and the technical staff is also a priority, while Abu Rida wants to improve communication between the coaching and administrative teams and the players.

That includes Salah, Hamza Abdel Karim and Mohamed Abdel Moneim, who have been part of the recent discussions surrounding the national team.

Focus on Egypt’s stability

The reported approach from Abu Rida is centred on rebuilding a relationship based on respect and cooperation between the players, coaching staff and Football Association.

Rather than rushing into disciplinary measures, the EFA president is understood to want the various parties to resolve their differences calmly and avoid further escalation.

The priority now is to restore stability within the Egypt camp as the national team prepares for the next stage of its international programme.