Rumors Hit the Pitch: Egypt Faces AFCON 2025 Scrutiny Over Hassan Remarks
17 January 2026
AFCON 2025 Controversy in Egypt
Egypt coach stirs controversy with remarks in Morocco.
Moroccan press reports published on Friday suggest the Egyptian Football Association is set to discuss the Pharaohs\' head coach, Hossam Hassan, over remarks that criticized how Morocco organized AFCON 2025, and it may even consider terminating his contract because of those comments.
But Mustafa Abu Zahra, a member of the federation\'s board, denied these reports according to Egyptian press coverage, and emphasized that there is no intention within the federation to part ways with Hassan or his immediate staff.
He added that Hassan remains firmly in charge of the Egypt squad, and that the coaching staff has already begun preparing rigorously for life after the tournament, especially for the 2026 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Egypt is scheduled to play Nigeria on Saturday for third place.
Egypt had fallen 1-0 to Senegal in the semi-finals, while Nigeria lost to Morocco on penalties after a goalless draw in regular time and extra time.
Punchline 1: If football had a trophy for drama, Egypt would win it every season.
Punchline 2: And if rumors were salaries, Hassan would be the federation\'s highest earner today.
