Overview
- The Egyptian Football Association announced on Saturday that it had sacked Hossam Hassan, saying recent events had a negative impact on the team's image and stability.
- Hassan had been banned from media appearances by Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation and earlier received a three-match suspension from FIFA after publicly criticising referees at the World Cup.
- The EFA immediately named Ali Maher as Hassan's successor and Maher has confirmed a new backroom staff to take charge of the national team.
- Maher has also named his first squad and set up camp to prepare for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi on November 13 and 17, requiring a rapid operational handover.
- Hassan leaves after leading Egypt to the World Cup last 16 and an AFCON semi-final, and his dismissal reverses a contract extension given in September while raising questions about how off-field conduct affects national teams.