Hani Abu Rida holds dinner meeting with Mohamed Salah to discuss Egypt future

Egypt Football Association president Hani Abu Rida has met national team captain Mohamed Salah in Turkey to discuss the forward’s future with the Pharaohs, according to Egyptian media personality Ahmed Shobeir.

The meeting took place during a dinner after the conclusion of Trabzonspor’s Turkish league fixture against Gaziantep, with discussions reportedly focusing on the Egyptian national team and developments surrounding the squad in recent months.

Shobeir disclosed the details during televised comments, explaining that Abu Rida used his visit to Turkey to hold talks with Salah as part of efforts to address matters concerning the national team.

He added that the discussions covered issues involving the Pharaohs over the past period and that Salah’s participation in the team’s next training camp had been confirmed.

The meeting comes ahead of Egypt’s preparations for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi, with the national team expected to begin its preparations in November.

Abu Rida and Salah discuss Egypt national team matters

According to Shobeir, Abu Rida and Salah held their discussions over dinner following Trabzonspor’s match against Gaziantep.

The Egyptian FA president is currently in Turkey, where his visit has also included a meeting with the president of the Turkish Football Federation.

However, his meeting with Salah attracted particular attention because of the forward’s importance to the Egyptian national team and the questions surrounding his involvement in the squad.

Shobeir said the two men discussed various matters concerning the Pharaohs, including developments within the national team during the previous period.

He also indicated that Salah would be available for the next international camp, providing clarity over the Liverpool forward’s expected involvement in Egypt’s preparations.

The meeting is significant as the national team approaches another stage of its preparations for competitive international football.

Salah expected to join November training camp

Egypt are scheduled to begin their next training camp on 9 November as they prepare for two matches against Malawi in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament is due to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with Egypt seeking to strengthen their position in the qualification campaign.

Salah’s expected presence in the camp will be an important development for the Pharaohs as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures.

The forward remains one of the leading figures in the Egyptian squad, making his availability a major talking point ahead of the international break.

Shobeir’s comments suggest that the discussions between Abu Rida and the player were intended to address matters concerning the national team and provide reassurance ahead of the next gathering.

Egyptian FA plays down reports of a dispute

The meeting also comes after questions emerged about the relationship between Salah and the Egyptian national team.

However, Ibrahim Hassan, the national team’s manager, had previously dismissed suggestions of a problem between the player and the national setup.

In exclusive comments to Al-Watan Sport, Hassan said there was no crisis between the national team and Salah.

His remarks offered a clear indication that the Egyptian football authorities did not consider the situation to be a dispute requiring intervention.

The dinner meeting in Turkey, as reported by Shobeir, has now provided further insight into the contact between Abu Rida and the national team captain.

With Egypt’s November camp approaching, attention will turn to the squad’s preparations and Salah’s involvement as the Pharaohs get ready for their two qualifying matches against Malawi.

For now, the reported discussions appear to have addressed issues surrounding the national team, while Salah’s expected participation in the upcoming camp provides a positive development for Egypt ahead of the fixtures.