Hossam Hassan sacked as Egypt head coach over ex-wife scandal

What the report says

The Egyptian Football Association has removed Hossam Hassan as head coach of the men’s national team, saying recent controversies tied to his private life had damaged the side’s public image and stability. According to Al Jazeera’s reporting, the decision was announced on Saturday, 8 November 2026, after the federation said it had reviewed the situation and decided that keeping the team stable was its top priority.

The dismissal follows a period of off-field scrutiny around Hassan, including a media ban imposed three days earlier by Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation in connection with a private legal dispute involving his former wife. Local media reported that lawyers for Hassan had filed complaints alleging document forgery and bigamy, accusations denied by the former wife’s representatives. Al Jazeera also noted that some of Hassan’s recent coaching decisions and disputes had added to pressure on him.

On the football side, Hassan had been in charge since March 2024. During his tenure, Egypt reached the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, its best result at the tournament, and also the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations before finishing fourth. He left after 38 matches in charge, with 21 wins, 10 draws and seven defeats.

Ali Maher, who coaches Ceramica Cleopatra, has been appointed as Hassan’s replacement. He is expected to lead Egypt into Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi on 13 and 17 November. The move underscores how personal controversies and sporting results can intersect in high-profile national-team management.