Hossam Sacked as 'Pharaohs' Coach... Mahir Named Successor

The Egyptian Football Association dismissed national team coach Hossam Hassan on Monday, affirming that “the interests of the senior national team take precedence among its priorities,” three days after Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation barred the coach from appearing on “all media outlets” amid a case involving his personal life and his ex-wife. In a statement on its website, the Egyptian FA said, “After reviewing all the circumstances and events that occurred in recent days, and their repercussions and negative impact on the positive image and stability of our national team, the board of directors, in line with its responsibilities, has decided to extend its gratitude to Captain Hossam Hassan and his technical and administrative staff.” The FA appointed Ali Maher, coach of Ceramica, as Hassan’s successor to lead the team in upcoming fixtures. A source within the FA told Agence France-Presse, “There was near-consensus within the FA’s board of directors to extend its gratitude (terminate the contract) to Hossam Hassan.” He added, “The crises surrounding him in recent times have become a threat to his position as head of the national team’s technical staff. A high level of tension has been caused by his recent actions, both technical and personal, which has led to a strong push to extend its gratitude to him.” The Egyptian FA had previously rewarded Hassan for leading the team to the Round of 16 at the North American World Cup, renewing his contract until 2030 on September 1. However, the fate of the 60-year-old Hassan became uncertain after the Supreme Council for Media Regulation issued a decision on Wednesday banning him from appearing on all media outlets due to “a set of violations of rules concerning respect for private life.”