Hossam Hassan learned of Egypt dismissal through team administrator

Hossam Hassan was informed of his dismissal as Egypt manager by the national team’s administrative director, rather than directly by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) president or board members.

The EFA dismissed Hassan on Saturday and appointed Ali Maher as his replacement before the November international camp, just two months after extending his contract until 2030.

Mostafa Abu Zahra, an EFA board member, said the association appreciated Hassan and his coaching staff’s work during their time in charge. He also praised the moments of success experienced by Egypt under Hassan, including what he achieved during the World Cup.

Speaking on the Al Hekaya programme on MBC Masr, Abu Zahra said the decision followed an assessment of the circumstances surrounding the former manager in recent days and their possible effect on the stability of the national team.

“We are not separate from public opinion or football supporters,” Abu Zahra said. “After considering, during our meeting, the circumstances and atmosphere Hossam Hassan had experienced in recent days, and the extent to which they could affect the national team, we decided to thank him and appoint Ali Maher as Egypt’s manager.”

Hassan’s response to dismissal

Abu Zahra said the EFA’s secretary general, Mostafa Azzam, contacted the national team’s administrative director and informed him of the board’s decision. The administrator then passed the news on to Hassan and his coaching staff.

According to Abu Zahra, Hassan did not object or react angrily when he was told his time in charge had ended. Instead, he accepted the decision calmly, saying: “It is God’s will and what He has decided,” before wishing the national team success in the future.

The EFA board member also addressed the financial arrangements involved in ending Hassan’s contract. He said the agreement includes a termination clause and specific provisions governing the settlement of any outstanding payments.

“The association will deal with the matter according to what was agreed in the contract,” Abu Zahra said, confirming that the EFA would honour the obligations set out in the deal.

Although Hassan’s departure will be handled contractually, Abu Zahra said the EFA did not want the end of his tenure to be limited to a financial settlement.

The board is expected to hold a meeting next week to discuss suitable arrangements for honouring Hassan and his assistants in recognition of their work while they were responsible for Egypt.