Coaching Controversy at AFCON 2025: Will Hossam Hassan’s Moment Cost Egypt?
6 January 2026
What do CAF rules say about the Hassan incident?
Egypt's national team coach Hossam Hassan finds himself in hot water after being accused of provoking Moroccan fans during the Pharaohs' Round of 16 clash with Benin at AFCON 2025, potentially facing a suspension.
The Egyptians secured a dramatic 3-1 victory on Monday night to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will wait for Côte d'Ivoire or Burkina Faso.
With Mohamed Salah scoring the third goal, sealing the win, cameras showed Hassan turning toward the Moroccan stands and making an unclear gesture.
According to Moroccan outlet Al Boutola, Hassan attempted to provoke Moroccan fans in the stands at Adrar Stadium in Agadir.
And the controversy intensified after the final whistle when Ibrahim Hassan saluted the Egyptian crowd and then performed a gesture implying a deliberate snub to Moroccan supporters.
What do CAF rules say about the Hassan incident?
Article 147 of CAF's disciplinary code states that anyone who provokes the crowd during a match faces a suspension of up to three games and a fine of at least $10,000.
And if the disciplinary committee finds that the coach did indeed provoke the crowd, Hassan could miss the Pharaohs' substitutes bench for the remainder of this continental championship.
There are at most three games left for Egypt in the tournament if they reach the final.
Nevertheless Hassan has denied any intention to insult Moroccan fans in post-match remarks, saying his comments were misread and that he praised the Moroccan supporters who backed the Pharaohs in Adrar.
He added that he did not mean to offend Moroccan fans and that he is happy with their support, asking how he could attack or criticize them.
Punchline 1: If taunting crowds earned medals, Hassan would be a world champion of fines.
Punchline 2: Maybe next time he should try a high-five instead of a gesture; it’s harder to misinterpret, and at least it doesn’t cost a fortune.
