Egyptian press reports indicate that a large number of Egyptian national team players have complained to officials at the Egyptian Football Association about coach Hossam Hassan, following his recent statements attacking his critics.
Hassan attributed Egypt’s poor performance in the Al Ain friendly tournament to the country having only “a quarter of a professional” players. He told his critics to leave him alone and called on the press to provide support less than a month before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
According to journalist Ahmed Abdel Basset, a significant number of Egyptian national team players have already contacted key officials at the Egyptian Football Association, including President Hani Abu Rida, to express their dissatisfaction and outrage at his recent remarks.
It appears that Hassan has lost the support of most of the Egyptian national team’s dressing room, especially since the players were astonished by his reference to “a quarter of a professional,” a term he used to describe Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed. It is rumored that the former Zamalek player is considering not rejoining the Pharaohs because of these comments. Meanwhile, it’s not just the players who are angry with Hossam’s statements, but also the Egyptian Football Association’s management. The situation has escalated to the point where even the Minister of Youth and Sports himself disapproved of the coach’s remarks, believing he crossed all red lines with these statements.
Thus, it can be said with certainty that Hossam Hassan is experiencing the “beginning of the end.” Any result other than winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco or reaching the semi-finals will most likely mean his dismissal six months before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
