In a surprising turn of events, Rogério Micale is no longer the coach of Egypt’s U-20 football team.
The Brazilian coach, who had led the team to qualification for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, was dismissed by the Egyptian Football Federation (EFA).
Sources indicate that the EFA, under the leadership of engineer Hani Abu Raida, requested Micale reduce his salary due to financial difficulties—a request the 55-year-old contested. Despite the disagreement, the EFA chose to terminate his contract.
In an emotional message to Egyptian fans shared on his Instagram, Micale expressed his gratitude: “Finally, I would like to send a big thank you to the Egyptian people. You are the main reason why I don’t want this to be goodbye, but just goodbye.” Micale had previously made a mark by guiding Egypt’s U-23 team to a 4th-place finish at the Paris Olympics, and he had been tasked with preparing the U-20 team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
