Al Ahly in the Crosshairs: Leadership Shake-Up and Lessons for Hosam Hassan
16 October 2025
Leadership shake-up at Al Ahly
Mohamed El Khatib, the president of Al Ahly, is expected to shift how the club is run in the upcoming period, according to insights shared by Mohsen Saleh, a former planning chief at the club. Saleh notes that El Khatib has faced health challenges, yet remains crucial to the club’s direction, especially in the wake of the late Amr Farouk, whose passing left a leadership vacuum that necessitated stronger daily engagement from the president.
Saleh argues that leadership does not require the president to personally handle every file. He anticipates a change in El Khatib’s approach, with input from businessman Yasin Mansour and senior administrator Abdel Hafeez, to create a more collaborative governance model rather than a single-handed run of the ship.
Yasin Mansour, who briefly led the club’s football affairs before resigning unexpectedly, is seen as a signal that governance will evolve. His comeback is interpreted as an indication that the club wants a broader consensus on football matters, rather than relying on a solitary executive path.
Abdel Hafeez’s reinstatement is viewed as further evidence that El Khatib will not shoulder every responsibility alone. The late Saleh Selim, a former club president, also left in his later years for extended periods to seek treatment abroad, yet successfully managed the club with Hamdi’s deputyship when needed, underscoring the value of a capable leadership team.
Saleh argues that no single actor—whether it be a president or a marketing agency—should monopolize credit for Al Ahly’s success. He contends that Al Ahram Advertising Agency’s influence in the 1990s benefited both the club and the agency, particularly through the leadership of Hamdi, who spearheaded marketing efforts and helped attract sponsors.
He emphasizes that Saleh Selim was not a dictator, but implemented decisive policies for the club’s financial health, such as strategic decisions around broadcasting and revenue generation. This balance between strong decisions and boardroom consensus is presented as a model for the current leadership’s balancing act.
Turning to the national team, Saleh notes that any head coach will need the shield of strong support from the federation and major clubs to succeed. He recalls his own experience facing criticism during his tenure, insisting that success relies on unity and shared purpose rather than personalities alone.
Saleh praises Hassan Hassan’s leadership of the national team, urging Hassan to remain steadfast in the face of critics and to focus on building a robust program ahead of major tournaments. He cautions that fans will judge results on performance, especially as Egypt looks toward the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.
Regarding the youth, Saleh cautions that missteps and disciplinary issues at the U-20 World Cup in Chile must be addressed. He argues for clearer criteria for coaches and for aligning salaries with what is sustainable for the federation and the clubs, hinting at a broader reform agenda for the domestic game.
The discussion then shifts to Ismaily and the club’s future. Saleh reflects on the club’s historic prestige, its past tactical innovations, and the challenges that have pushed it toward potential relegation risk. He says leadership should pursue professional management, possibly bringing in a national or international investor or even merging with a private club to stabilize Ismaily’s finances and performance.
Overall, Saleh paints a portrait of Egyptian football at a crossroads: strong governance, prudent investment, and a collaborative leadership culture are needed to sustain Al Ahly’s legacy and to provide a pathway for coaches, players, and clubs alike.
Punchline time: If leadership were a shot, Al Ahly would already have a bullseye on the league trophy—and a spare set of targets for good measure. Punchline 2: In football and in governance, the best players don’t just kick decisions; they pass the ball to the right people at the right time. Now, let’s see if the board can stay within shooting range this season.
