Cairo — Egypt Fires Coach Hossam Hassan Over Ex-Wife Scandal

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) dismissed national team coach Hossam Hassan on Saturday, saying recent controversies tied to his marital life had left a "negative impact on the positive image and stability" of the squad, according to Al Jazeera, citing AFP.

Why did the EFA remove Hassan now?

The federation said it reviewed recent events before deciding to part with Hassan and his coaching staff, stating that "maintaining stability of the team is top priority," per the EFA statement reported by Al Jazeera. The decision came three days after Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation banned Hassan from appearing on media platforms over a case connected to his private life and a former wife, the outlet reported.

What is the ex-wife dispute behind the ban?

Lawyers representing Hassan filed a complaint against his ex-wife, Dina Mostafa — publicly known as "Dan Adam" — alleging forgery of official documents and bigamy, according to local media cited by Al Jazeera. Representatives for Mostafa denied the allegations, the outlet reported. Former Egypt attacker Mido said in September the situation had "gone out of control" and called for officials to intervene, Al Jazeera reported.

Who replaces Hassan, and when does he start?

Ali Maher, currently in charge of club side Ceramica Cleopatra, was named Hassan's successor, Al Jazeera reported. Maher, 52, is set to take over before Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi on November 13 and 17.

What was Hassan's record, and what else drew scrutiny?

Hassan, a former striker who took charge in March 2024, led Egypt to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup — the country's best-ever finish at the tournament — and to the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations before a fourth-place result, according to Al Jazeera. Over 38 matches, Egypt won 21, drew 10 and lost seven under him, the outlet reported. He also received a three-match FIFA ban after criticizing the referee following Egypt's World Cup knockout loss to Argentina. A separate dispute arose after a 0-0 Nations Cup qualifying draw with Angola in September, when Hassan substituted Mohamed Salah in the 60th minute; Salah then left the national team camp, and the EFA said he avoids artificial pitches and would miss a qualifier against South Sudan that Egypt won 5-0, per Al Jazeera.

Timeline

• March 2024: Hassan takes charge of the Egyptian national team.
• 2026 World Cup: Egypt reaches the last 16, its best-ever showing; Hassan draws a three-match FIFA ban after criticizing officiating in the loss to Argentina.
• September 2026: Egypt draws 0-0 with Angola after Hassan substitutes Salah; Salah leaves camp and sits out a 5-0 win over South Sudan. Mido publicly urges intervention.
• November 5, 2026 (reported window): Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation bars Hassan from media appearances over the ex-wife case.
• November 8, 2026: EFA dismisses Hassan and names Ali Maher as successor.

What to watch

• Whether Egyptian authorities formally rule on the forgery and bigamy allegations tied to Hassan's ex-wife.
• Maher's lineup and tactical choices in the November 13 and 17 qualifiers against Malawi.
• Whether Mohamed Salah returns to the squad under new management.
• Any EFA statement detailing further terms of Hassan's departure or his coaching staff's status.