The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has dismissed head coach Hossam Hassan and his entire coaching staff, ending a tenure that brought both historic results and mounting controversy off the pitch.

In a statement released on Saturday, the EFA said it had assessed recent events and their "negative impact on the positive image and stability" of the national team, adding that "maintaining stability of the team is top priority." Ali Maher, currently manager of club side Ceramica Cleopatra, was confirmed as Hassan's replacement.

Media ban and personal controversy

The dismissal came three days after Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation barred Hassan from appearing on any media platform, a ruling linked to a case involving his private life and a former wife.

Local media reported that Hassan's lawyers filed a complaint against his ex-wife, Dina Mostafa — publicly known as "Dan Adam" — alleging forgery of official documents and bigamy. Representatives for Mostafa denied those allegations.

On-pitch concerns

Hassan's handling of Mohamed Salah also drew scrutiny. During a 0-0 home draw with Angola in a Nations Cup qualifier in September, he substituted Salah in the 60th minute — a decision that sparked widespread debate among supporters and pundits alike.

Salah subsequently left the national team camp. The EFA explained that the forward had concerns about artificial playing surfaces and would therefore miss Egypt's qualifier against South Sudan that same month — a match Egypt went on to win 5-0.

A record tenure ends

Despite the turbulence, Hassan's record as Egypt coach included genuine highs. He took charge in March 2024, guided the Pharaohs to a fourth-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations, and oversaw Egypt's best-ever showing at a FIFA World Cup — a run to the round of 16 at the 2026 edition.

That tournament exit, a knockout defeat by Argentina, also earned Hassan a three-match ban from FIFA after he publicly criticised the referee. Former Egypt attacker Mido called the overall situation around the coach "out of control" in September, urging officials to step in.

Across 38 matches in charge, Hassan won 21, drew 10, and lost seven — a respectable record that will nonetheless be overshadowed by the circumstances of his departure.

Maher's first assignment

Maher, 52, now faces an immediate test. He will lead Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Malawi on November 13 and 17.