Hossam Hassan’s Egypt dismissal was no surprise after months of controversy

Hossam Hassan’s departure as Egypt manager was the predictable outcome of a series of disputes and controversies, rather than an unexpected development. The former striker is regarded as one of Egypt and Africa’s football greats, but his conduct away from the pitch has repeatedly attracted criticism.

That record had already raised doubts when Hassan was appointed to lead the Pharaohs in February 2024. In the months that followed, one incident succeeded another, reinforcing the view that the relationship was heading towards an unhappy conclusion.

One of the most prominent disputes involved Hassan and his brother, Ibrahim, during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The pair became involved in an unnecessary confrontation with Moroccan supporters.

Whatever the behaviour of the fans, the article argues that it was inappropriate for a manager, player or official to engage in a verbal exchange with them. Such incidents are particularly sensitive at international level, where they can inflame tensions between two nations rather than between rival clubs. Social media can help connect supporters, but it can also intensify those disputes.

The controversy surrounding Egypt’s World Cup exit created an even greater storm. Hassan himself led criticism directed at FIFA and the refereeing, while also referring to Lionel Messi, Argentina and sponsors. Those arguments, according to the article, diverted attention from the events in the final minutes of the last-16 match, when Egypt conceded three goals that appeared impossible.

Hassan then faced renewed criticism after making comments about Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy. The remarks prompted statements from both Al Ahly and the Egyptian Football Association.

The manager responded to the association by ignoring its vice-president, Khaled El-Drandaly, throughout the team’s trip to South Sudan. That treatment was described as inappropriate towards the official in charge of the delegation.

At the same time, Hassan’s relationship with some of his players deteriorated, most notably with Mohamed Salah. Reports alleged that offensive language had been directed at Salah during the match against Angola, an incident that Egypt players did not deny.

Those disputes came alongside reports about Hassan’s personal problems, which had also received widespread media coverage in recent months. His removal therefore cannot be attributed to one isolated incident. Instead, a number of issues accumulated and coincided until they brought his time with the Pharaohs to an end.

The wider lesson, the article concludes, is that earning the affection and respect of others is not a secondary concern, especially in sport.