The Egyptian Football Association dismissed Hossam Hassan on 7 November and appointed Ali Maher as technical director of Egypt ahead of the November camp.
Contract extended to 2030
The decision came barely two months after the Egyptian Football Association had extended Hossam Hassan’s contract until 2030.
Abu Zahra explains the decision
Mustafa Abu Zahra, a board member of the Egyptian Football Association, said: “We are not detached from public opinion and football fans, and after we looked during our meeting at the surrounding circumstances and the atmosphere that Captain Hossam Hassan experienced over the past days, and the extent of its impact on the national team's atmosphere, we decided to thank him and to appoint Ali Maher as technical director of the Egypt national team.”
Abu Zahra said the decision to part with the coaching staff followed an assessment of the circumstances surrounding Hossam Hassan in recent weeks and the impact they could have on his stability.
How Hassan was informed
Abu Zahra said: “Mostafa Azzam, the Secretary General of the Football Association, took charge of contacting the team's administrative manager and notifying him of the board's decision, before the latter relayed the news to Hossam Hassan and his coaching staff.”
According to Abu Zahra, Hossam Hassan raised no objection and showed no emotion when he discovered his mission had ended, taking it calmly. Hassan said: “It is God's will, and what He wills is done.”
Settlement and recognition
The agreement includes a penalty clause and specific provisions governing the settlement of financial dues arising from the termination. The board will handle the file exactly as agreed.
The board will meet during the week to discuss a way to honour Hossam Hassan and his assistants.
